MA H2385

Establishes a 15-member special commission to develop strategies and policies for mitigating avian influenza (H5N1) risks in Massachusetts, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services

Commission membership includes state agency officials, veterinarians specializing in avian and dairy health, poultry and dairy industry representatives, academic experts in virology and zoonotic diseases, and local health officials from both urban and rural areas

Commission responsibilities include developing surveillance programs for H5N1 in wildlife, poultry, dairy cattle, and humans; recommending biosecurity measures; creating emergency response plans; and coordinating among government agencies and private stakeholders

Required research areas include stockpiling antiviral drugs beyond Tamiflu, preparing for statewide clinical trials of novel therapeutics, developing self-administered H5N1 detection tests for farm distribution, and exploring compensation for farm owners affected by worker absences due to infections

Declared an emergency law; commission must convene within 60 days of enactment and submit final report by December 31, 2026