This bill (S.F. No. 1839) proposes the establishment of an Avian Influenza Prevention Program in Minnesota. The program would provide grants to poultry producers to help prevent the transmission of avian influenza from wild birds to domestic poultry.

Key Provisions:

• The Commissioner of Agriculture would oversee the grant program and may set an annual funding cap per recipient.
• To qualify, poultry producers must operate within Minnesota and use the funds to cover costs related to avian influenza prevention.
• Grant recipients must contribute a 20% cost-share, though up to $2,000 of this requirement can be offset by time and labor costs.
• Eligible prevention measures include:
  • Lasers or lighting systems
  • Visual deterrents (such as air socks, plastic predators, and animal decoys)
  • Sound systems or air cannons
• Grant recipients must:
  1. Implement measures in good faith to prevent the disease.
  2. Document expenses properly.
  3. Report annually on the effectiveness of prevention efforts.
  4. Allow follow-up evaluations and monitoring by the commissioner.

The bill also includes an appropriation of funds to support the program.