U.S. government to invest US$1B in combating avian flu, lowering egg prices
USA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a US$1 billion plan to tackle highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), aiming to protect the poultry industry and stabilize egg prices.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined the strategy, which includes US$500 million for biosecurity measures, US$400 million in financial support for farmers, and US$100 million for vaccine research and regulatory adjustments.
According to Rollins, previous efforts by the Biden administration failed to address recurring outbreaks and the resulting high egg prices.
She stated that the Trump administration is committed to finding solutions, emphasizing the need for affordable food and support for struggling farmers.
To curb virus transmission, USDA is expanding its Wildlife Biosecurity Assessments, focusing first on egg-layer facilities.
Wild birds are responsible for 83% of HPAI cases, and farms that follow strict biosecurity measures have seen significantly fewer outbreaks.
Free biosecurity audits will be available to all affected farms, and those with outbreaks must address security flaws to qualify for future financial assistance.
Additionally, USDA is deploying 20 epidemiologists to advise producers on how to reduce infection risks.
Up to 75% of the costs for addressing biosecurity risks will be covered by the government, with a total investment of US$500 million.
Farmers whose flocks are culled to contain the virus will continue receiving compensation, and new programs are being explored to speed up repopulation efforts.
A total of US$400 million has been set aside to support these initiatives through the fiscal year.
Regulatory Changes and Vaccine Research
USDA is also working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explore ways to increase egg supply and reduce regulatory obstacles for farmers and consumers.
Efforts will also focus on developing methods to limit the scale of bird culling during outbreaks.
In response to regional price disparities, USDA plans to educate lawmakers and the public on how factors like state regulations have led to significantly higher egg prices in places such as California.
US$100 million is being allocated for vaccine and therapeutic research to protect egg-laying hens.
Widespread Outbreaks Continue
The announcement comes as HPAI continues spreading across the country, with new outbreaks confirmed in commercial and backyard poultry farms.
Ohio has reported infections on four additional layer farms and three turkey farms.
Neighboring Pennsylvania has identified five more affected sites, while Missouri is dealing with outbreaks at a turkey farm and a broiler farm.
In New York, live bird markets in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn have been temporarily shut down following positive HPAI cases.
The virus is also affecting smaller poultry operations in Louisiana, Connecticut, and Washington, with officials urging preventive measures ahead of the spring wild bird migration.
Since HPAI was first detected in U.S. poultry in early 2022, over 157.7 million birds have died nationwide, including those in Puerto Rico.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
