Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has approved $1.27 million in state funds to put more effort into studying the impact avian influenza, otherwise known as "bird flu," has on state wildlife.

Nancy Gibson, co-chair of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, called the virus a "time bomb," and said no one knows the true extent of the disease which poses a threat to wildlife and humans.

Lawmakers and wildlife experts have set aside $1.27 million in state funds to help monitor the highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as “bird flu,” in Minnesota wildlife. Gov. Tim Walz approved funds Friday from the state lottery-generated Environment and Natural Resources Fund for researchers at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine to study the flu.

Republicans argued Gov. Tim Walz called for a special election too early and asked for a halt ahead of the legislative session.

A major power dispute has erupted at the Minnesota State Capitol, jeopardizing the Jan. 14 start of the legislative session.Republican leaders announced on Monday they currently have a majority and control of the House due to legal disputes involving two seats.

Minnesota Republicans have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) over the coming special election in House District 40B, where the winning Democratic candidate was recently ruled ineligible over residency requirements.