Bill > HB4173

This bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $1,000,000 from the state general fund to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development specifically for H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) prevention and response efforts. The funding will be used for three primary purposes: (1) testing facilities and backyard chicken flocks by obtaining respiratory samples, serological tests, and environmental samples; (2) conducting genetic sequencing and subtyping of positive H5N1 tests to gain detailed information about specific virus strains, including their genetic lineage and potential pathogenicity; and (3) publicly sharing the sequencing and subtyping data. The bill designates these funds as a work project appropriation, meaning that any unspent money will not lapse at the end of the fiscal year and can be used until the project is completed, with a tentative completion date of September 30, 2029. The project will be implemented using state employees, contracted service providers, or a combination of both, with the goal of improving pandemic preparedness and outbreak response related to avian influenza.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4173