Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - Avian Flu in Iowa

Letter

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We respectfully ask that you grant the request made by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster for the State of Iowa as a result of catastrophic losses due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) beginning on April 13, 2015, and continuing. Over 32 million birds have been culled in 18 counties, leading to numerous layoffs in the Iowa poultry and related industries. The counties of Buena Vista, Sioux, Webster, and Wright have been hardest hit by this ongoing and devastating disaster, although additional counties may be added as the outbreak spreads and additional losses are identified.

The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed.

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Senator Chuck Grassley

Senator Joni Ernst

Representative Rod Blum

Representative Dave Loebsack

Representative David Young