This bill proposes the establishment of an Avian Influenza Prevention Program under the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The program would provide grants to poultry producers in the state to help cover costs associated with preventing the transmission of avian influenza from wild birds to domestic poultry.

Key Provisions:

1. Grant Award and Cap:

   • The Commissioner of Agriculture is authorized to award grants.
     
   • A cap may be set on the maximum grant amount a recipient can receive annually.
     

2. Eligibility Requirements:

   • Applicants must be poultry producers located in Minnesota.
     
   • Grant funds must be used to reimburse costs related to disease prevention efforts in their operations.
     
   • Recipients must contribute a 20% cost-share, though up to $2,000 may be applied toward labor and time costs.
     

3. Eligible Prevention Measures:

   • Lasers or lighting systems to deter wild birds.
     
   • Visual deterrents, such as air socks, plastic predators, and animal decoys.
     
   • Sound systems or air cannons to scare away wild birds.
     

4. Obligations for Grant Recipients:

   • Demonstrate a good faith effort to prevent avian influenza spread.
     
   • Maintain documentation of expenses.
     
   • Submit annual reports to the Commissioner on effectiveness.
     
   • Allow follow-up evaluations and monitoring by state authorities.
     

This bill seeks to enhance avian influenza prevention efforts by supporting poultry producers financially in implementing control measures, aiming to reduce outbreaks and economic losses in Minnesota's poultry industry.