State Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, and state Rep. Cindi Duchow, R-Town of Delafield, introduced a bill that would allow the sale of public lands near commercial egg farm Daybreak Foods, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.
Critics of the bill say it puts the protection of public lands in jeopardy. Lawmakers say it is to ensure the affordability and security of food supply chains.
The legislation would allow the policymaking board for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to sell land next to or within 1 mile of a commercial egg farm to prevent the spread of bird flu.
Daybreak Foods had a recent outbreak of bird flu, resulting in the death of 4 million birds at its Cold Spring Egg Farm.
Land with wild birds next to an egg farm poses increased risks of exposure to bird flu.
The bill would allow Daybreak to buy the property from the DNR to prevent the spread of avian flu by planting grass to deter waterfowl from visiting the area.
The bill still needs to be taken up by the state Senate.
