WASHINGTON — A bipartisan bill was introduced last week in the House of Representatives aimed at strengthening biosecurity protocols and supporting research for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Representatives Sarah McBride (D-Del.) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced the Supporting Avian Virus Eradication (SAVE) Our Poultry Act which works to safeguard producers, the national food supply and export markets.

The bill started after McBride met with Mike Puglisi, who owns Puglisi Egg Farms in Delaware and discussed the concerns and threats HPAI can have on family farms.

“This is about listening to the people doing the work,” McBride said. “When a farmer in New Castle County came to me with real concerns about how avian flu could affect his flock and his livelihood, I knew we needed a serious, bipartisan solution. The SAVE Our Poultry Act is about supporting our farmers in their efforts to protect their animals, their markets, and their futures.”

The stated goals for the bill include authorizing USDA research grants to study HPAI and analyze the impact of poultry vaccination on international trade and market access. The bill also would fund biosecurity practices and disinfection methods for poultry producers.

“This is a national security issue,” Lawler said. “We must take responsible steps to protect our agricultural industry. The SAVE Our Poultry Act is about supporting practical research that protects our farmers in addressing avian influenza. It’s about safeguarding the industry, protecting jobs, and ensuring our food supply stays safe.”

McBride and Lawler received support from the Delmarva Chicken Association after the bill was introduced.

“Keeping chicken flocks safe and healthy is an all-hands-on-deck effort, and family farmers who raise chickens are on the front lines of the fight,” said Holly Porter, executive director of the Delmarva Chicken Association. “Investing in biosecurity and in scientific advancements that could help prevent avian disease, including avian influenza, is critical to protecting the US chicken supply. We’re heartened to see the SAVE Our Poultry Act be introduced and look forward to its passage in Congress.”

According to the news release from McBride’s office, the National Chicken Council also supports the legislation. 

Earlier in 2025, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, started the USDA’s $1 billion bird flu mitigation plan.

A bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter to Rollins last week asking for more details on the HPAI response from the federal government.