HPAI Remains A Priority At USDA

Back in February, USDA announced a five pronged strategy to address highly pathogenic avian influenza and mitigating egg prices as supplies both short term and long term.  Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins presented the first update of this strategy in March in a call with reporters indicating.

“We intend to hold regular check-ins with the public to update on the progress of our plan,” Rollins noted. 

The second update in late June included efforts on biosecurity assessments and commercial poultry operations; a measure expanded upon in March from pilot projects. 

“These assessments, which were previously available on a limited basis have been extremely successful in improving biosecurity on individual premises and preventing the introduction or spread of avian influenza,” the Secretary said. 

USDA Has Conducted Hundreds Of Assessments

The June update notes over 900 biosecurity assessments to date and a reminder of resources available to help producers prepare for fall wild bird migration.  USDA is covering the full cost of assessments and supporting part of cost for biosecurity improvements on farms.  The Agriculture Department offers two free voluntary biosecurity assessments to help poultry and egg producers get ahead of potential high path avian flu threats. One assessment covers wildlife risk mitigation, the other on general biosecurity improvements. Another aspect of the HPAI strategy indemnity payments to affected producers. 

“Effective February 27th, we increased the indemnity rate for layers by 2.41 times, which amounts to $16.94 per head to provide critical relief to our farmers,” Rollins said.  

Since February, almost $70 billion in payments have been made to directly support layer flock.  Innovation as a key part of addressing HPAI threats and poultry and egg laying flocks was announced in March by the Secretary. 

Millions Set Aside To Create A Vaccine, More

“Up to $100 million available for a funding opportunity to support project on avian influenza prevention therapeutics, vaccines and research.” 

Applications closed last month for the HPAI Poultry Innovation Grant Challenge funding opportunity.  460 proposals were received, with applicants requesting a total of $793 million in funding. USDA expects awards to be finalized by this fall.  

Finally, stabilization of supply and lowering of egg prices is in part occurring through an increase of imports, primarily from five nations. And doubling the number of import receiving facilities for shell table eggs for breaking and pasteurization.

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