The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leading our Nation’s efforts to address an ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial and backyard poultry flocks. Through joint Federal and State response and collaboration with industry organizations, we are taking action to support farmers and protect the U.S. poultry industry.
USDA's Five-Pronged Approach To Address Avian Influenza
Invest in Gold-Standard Biosecurity Measures for All U.S. Poultry Producers
Biosecurity is the key to protecting poultry flocks from HPAI. We provide several services to help producers bolster biosecurity:
- Free, voluntary biosecurity assessments for commercial operations not affected by HPAI
- Biosecurity audits for commercial operations affected by HPAI or operating in a control area
- Cost share of up to 75 percent to fix the highest-risk biosecurity concerns identified by the assessments
Increase Relief To Aid Farmers and Accelerate Repopulation
USDA continues to indemnify producers whose flocks must be depopulated to control the further spread of HPAI. We are also exploring new programs to aid farmers in accelerating the rate of repopulation, including ways to simplify the approval process to speed recovery.
Remove Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens on the Chicken and Egg Industry To Further Innovation and Reduce Consumer Prices
USDA is taking several actions to cut red tape and lower egg prices:
- Working alongside partners at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to examine strategies to safely expand supply in the commercial market for eggs
- Minimizing burdens on individual farmers and consumers who harvest homegrown eggs
- Working with farmers and scientists to develop innovative strategies to limit the extent of depopulations in HPAI outbreaks
- Educating consumers and Congress on the need to fix the problem of geographical price differences for eggs
Explore Pathways Toward Vaccines, Therapeutics, and Other Strategies for Protecting Egg-Laying Chickens To Reduce Instances of Depopulation
USDA invests $100 million to support projects related to vaccines, therapeutics, research, and other strategies to combat avian influenza. Learn more about these projects.
USDA is also soliciting public input on solutions and holding biweekly discussions with governors, State departments of agriculture, State veterinarians, and poultry and dairy farmers on vaccine and therapeutics strategy, logistics, and surveillance.
Consider Temporary Import-Export Options To Reduce Costs on Consumers and Evaluate International Best Practices
USDA is exploring options for temporarily increasing egg imports and decreasing exports, if applicable, to supplement the domestic supply, subject to safety reviews. USDA is also evaluating international best practices in egg production and safety to determine any opportunities to increase domestic supply.
Support for Producers
Report Sick Birds
If you see signs of illness in your birds, act quickly. Report any sick or dying birds to your State veterinarian or to USDA by calling toll-free 1-866-536-7593 or connecting with your APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge.
