By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced updates to indemnity conditions for poultry farms affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The changes aim to enhance biosecurity measures and reduce reinfections.
Under the new rules, poultry farms must pass a biosecurity audit before restocking and qualifying for future indemnity payments. This regulation ensures that farms implement recommended measures to prevent further outbreaks. Additionally, farms in buffer zones (a minimum of 7 km around infected areas) must also pass audits to move poultry onto their premises.
Dr. Rosemary Sifford, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer, highlighted the importance of biosecurity, stating, “Biosecurity is proven to be our best weapon in fighting this virus, and this update will ensure that poultry producers who received indemnity for HPAI are taking measures to stop future introductions of the disease and avoiding actions that contribute to its spread.”
Since 2022, APHIS has paid over $1.1 billion in indemnity to 1,200 producers, with reinfections accounting for $365 million. Farms failing to comply with biosecurity audits or located in active infected zones will not be eligible for indemnity payments.
Public comments on this interim final rule will be accepted until March 3, 2025, at www.regulations.gov. This step marks a significant move toward curbing HPAI and ensuring a healthier poultry industry.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National