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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) led the Iowa Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging Secretary Rollins to provide immediate financial assistance to Iowa’s turkey producers who have been severely impacted by avian metapneumovirus (aMPV).
Specifically, the Delegation requested that USDA allow aMPV to qualify as an eligible adverse event under the Livestock Indemnity Program, which provides financial compensation to farmers who have experienced high levels of livestock death due to adverse events such as a natural disaster or disease.
“Despite devastating financial shortfalls and supply chain disruptions caused by aMPV, there are currently no federal assistance programs available to offset these devastating losses, leaving many family-owned operations at risk of closure”, said Rep. Nunn. “Without immediate support, the viability of these farms—and the stability of the U.S. turkey industry—is in jeopardy.”
“We appreciate Congressman Nunn for proactively bringing attention to the devastating impact of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) on our rural farm families”, stated the Iowa Turkey Federation. “Addressing this crisis is critical to restoring the financial security of our turkey farmers and ensuring a stable supply of turkey for consumers.”
Since its identification in the fall of 2023, aMPV has spread to all turkey producing states, having a major impact on turkey farmers, processors, small businesses, and the consumer supply chain. Iowa turkey farmers have reported flock losses ranging from 30 percent to 50 percent due to aMPV, threatening both their livelihoods and the broader U.S. turkey supply. Last year alone, Iowa’s farmers lost an estimated 569,700 turkeys due to aMPV. This attributed to a loss of $18 million in farm income.
Text of the letter can be found at this link.
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