Wisconsin Ag Connection - Obey Encouraged by USDA Action Against Fish Killing Virus

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Obey Encouraged by USDA Action Against Fish Killing Virus
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/28/2007

Wisconsin Congressman Dave Obey says he welcomes the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is making $1.5 million in contingency funding available to help states control the spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, an Ebola-like virus that is killing fish of all types in the Great Lakes.

In July 2006, USDA issued an Emerging Disease Notice regarding the spread of the disease in the Great Lakes, and in October 2006 USDA issued an emergency order blocking the interstate movement of all fish throughout the region. However, until now, USDA had refused to provide emergency funding to assist the states grappling with the disease.

"With the vision of a mole and the speed of a sloth, USDA has finally agreed to provide a minimal amount of emergency funding to meet the emergency," Obey said. "I wish they had moved more quickly and more forcefully, but I am glad that they have finally moved."

The Wausau Democrat says it's important that USDA has acknowledged the emergency nature of the problem and says he hope they will also recognizes that much more is still to be done.