Minnesota legislators approve funding for Bird Flu response

(St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesota lawmakers are advancing legislation to provide emergency funding for a response to bird flu in the state.

The one million dollar allocation for testing supplies and urgent needs for farmers passed the House and Senate unanimously this week. Governor Walz says he will sign the measure when it hits his desk.

The first cases of avian flu in the state were detected March 25th and have now been found in flocks in 12 counties, affecting more than one million birds. Minnesota is the nation's leading poultry producer.