Bird Flu Bill Is Among First to Pass Pennsylvania Legislature This Session

By Ian Karbal 

Legislation intended to aid the state’s response to highly-pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, passed the Senate Wednesday. It was the first bill this session to pass through both chambers of the legislature.

The bill, if signed by the governor, will eliminate citizenship requirements for people who want to become licensed poultry technicians in Pennsylvania, though they must be allowed to work in the country legally and undergo training. The goal is to expand the number of certified testers for bird flu.

The bill received a bipartisan vote in both chambers, though it was opposed by four Republican senators and 41 Republican representatives. It was sponsored by Berks County Democratic Rep. Johanny Cepida-Freytiz.

The bill’s proponents say the state needs all the help it can get combating bird flu. Late last month, the state confirmed its first cases of the disease in domestic poultry this year, in Lehigh County.

It now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for signature. Speaking at this year’s farm show, he called the disease one of the top concerns for the state’s large agriculture industry.

Experts say bird flu is, largely, not a risk to the general public, but can have severe economic impacts for farmers, especially those working with chicken flocks. It has also transferred to dairy cattle elsewhere in the country. Store-bought eggs and pasteurized milk are still safe for consumption, according to experts.

Anyone who encounters a sick or dead wild bird is asked to report it to the PA Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453).

People in contact with sick or dead birds who are not feeling well should contact a physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.

World Cup Doctors

The poultry technician bill was one of the first two to make it through both chambers this session. The other, which also passed Wednesday, will make it easier for international soccer teams’ doctors to practice in Pennsylvania. It was sponsored by freshman Sen. Joe Picozzi (R-Philadelphia), who said he introduced it ahead of the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup, which will hold matches in Philadelphia this summer.

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