North Central PA Times

The Pennsylvania state House of Representatives has approved a bill sponsored by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver aimed at protecting domestic animals and the food supply from transmissible diseases. In response to the approval of the bill, Culver expressed her gratitude, stating, “I want to thank my colleagues in the House of Representatives for their affirmative vote on Senate Bill 979.” Culver highlighted that the bill will allow the Department of Agriculture to require individuals or businesses involved in domestic animal, commercial feed, or pet food sales to post notices regarding dangerous transmissible diseases on their premises.

The rise in reported avian flu outbreaks in dairy cattle across several states prompted action from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA). Although avian influenza has not been detected in Pennsylvanian cattle, the PDA is taking proactive measures to prevent its spread. Secretary Redding and the Department of Agriculture have mandated that any dairy cows entering Pennsylvania from states where avian influenza has been confirmed in the past 30 days must be quarantined and tested for the virus. Culver commended this approach, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity measures in safeguarding livestock from disease outbreaks.

Culver's bill grants the Department of Agriculture the authority to require establishments selling domestic animals and feed to post information about dangerous transmittable diseases. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and prevention efforts within the industry.

In light of these developments, more information about Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver can be found on her website at SenatorCulver.com. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on legislative actions and news in the 27th District by following Culver on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

For further inquiries, please contact Betsy Reichenbach at 717-787-8928.