Five Step Strategy Helps Farmers Fight Bird Flu Nationwide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, is strengthening efforts against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) with a comprehensive five-step plan. The strategy has helped reduce egg prices and supported nearly 950 poultry farms through free biosecurity checks.
Farmers have access to two free assessments—one focused on wildlife risks and the other on general farm practices. These tools help detect and fix weak points in farm defences. USDA covers the full cost of assessments and up to 75% of improvement expenses.
“While we are proud that over 900 biosecurity assessments have been conducted to date, resources remain available, and we are urging poultry farmers of all sizes to get your assessments done today before a potentially challenging fall,” said Secretary Rollins.
Another key step includes increased funding for flock recovery. Since February, USDA has paid out over $70 million to help farms restart operations after outbreaks.
The department is also making changes to reduce red tape for producers and streamline safety processes.
To drive future progress, USDA invited proposals for its Avian Flu Innovation Grant. The department received 417 ideas totalling $793 million in requested funding. Award announcements are expected this fall.
Egg supply has also been strengthened through international imports. Over 40 million eggs and products have come in from countries such as Brazil and Turkey. To handle the influx, USDA approved three more U.S. facilities to process these imports.
Poultry producers are encouraged to take advantage of the USDA resources now, ahead of the expected rise in HPAI risk this fall.