News

Ag Secretary Rollins announces USDA’s $1 billion HPAI plan

The US Secretary of Agriculture says the USDA plans to invest $1 billion to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Brooke Rollins announced her five-step plan this morning during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Winter Meeting. 

“We are devoting up to $500 million in helping U.S. poultry producers to implement gold standard biosecurity measures,” she said. “USDA will provide free audits and wildlife biosecurity assessments.”

The USDA will also pay up to 75% of the cost of biosecurity repairs.

Rollins says the department will begin bi-weekly meetings next month to further discuss the use of a vaccine.

“This does not mean we have authorized the use of a vaccine at this time,” she said. “We are not doing this right now before making that determination, we will continue to solicit feedback from state veterinarians, your governors, and the American public.”

$400 million will go to farmers to increase indemnity rates and allow farms to quickly return to business after an outbreak.

Rollins said the main goal is to build a long-term strategy to combat the disease and ultimately stabilize the marketplace for consumers.