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SR 14

Senate resolution strongly urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expedite the establishment and implementation of an avian influenza vaccine national reserve and distribution system for small- and medium-sized poultry farms

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Collamore and 4 co-sponsors

Vermont urges federal agencies to create an avian flu vaccine reserve and distribution system for small and medium poultry farms to prevent disease outbreaks and economic losses.

As adopted by Senate
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Bill Summary · SR 14

Legislative bill overview

Senate Resolution 14 urges the federal USDA and CDC to create and deploy an avian influenza vaccine reserve and distribution network specifically targeting small and medium-sized poultry operations. This is a non-binding resolution expressing Vermont's legislative preference rather than establishing direct legal requirements.

Why is this important

Avian influenza poses significant economic and food security risks to poultry farmers, with vaccination being a critical preventive tool. Small and medium farms often lack resources to independently secure vaccines or establish emergency protocols, making them particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks that can devastate their operations and spread regionally.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal authority questions: The resolution assumes USDA/CDC should prioritize vaccine reserves for small farms when federal agencies may prioritize other strategies (culling, biosecurity) or focus on larger commercial operations for efficiency
  • Vaccine efficacy and approval: Avian flu vaccines face regulatory hurdles and variable effectiveness; committing to a "national reserve" without proven vaccine readiness may be premature or impractical
  • Cost allocation ambiguity: The resolution doesn't specify who funds development, storage, and distribution—federal taxpayers, states, or farmers themselves—which could create implementation disputes
  • Market interference concerns: Some argue government vaccine reserves could distort private agricultural markets or create dependency rather than encouraging farmers' own preparedness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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