APHIS updates indemnity program for avian influenza
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is introducing an interim final rule aimed at curbing the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and providing farmers with additional tools to manage the disease. Under the new rule, poultry facilities must complete a biosecurity audit before restocking their flocks following an HPAI detection and before becoming eligible for future indemnity payments.
While APHIS, in collaboration with state and federal veterinary officials and industry partners, has worked extensively to address biosecurity challenges, some poultry farms continue to face difficulties, with some experiencing multiple outbreaks.
Since the start of the current HPAI outbreak in 2022, APHIS has issued indemnity payments to over 1,200 producers. Among them, 67 commercial poultry premises have reported at least two HPAI infections, and 18 have experienced three or more infections. These reinfected farms have received more than $365 million in indemnity payments, contributing to the nearly $1.1 billion distributed overall.
Biosecurity is essential in combating avian influenza; however, geographic location and proximity to water reservoirs are even more crucial. In the United States, there is a tendency to prioritize secondary issues over primary ones, as evidenced by the lack of similar policies for dairy farms. While the profession is important, it appears that a robust lobbying effort holds even greater influence.
