The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has taken significant steps to combat the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and provide farmers with tools to manage the disease. In an effort to enhance biosecurity measures and prevent further outbreaks, APHIS recently announced an interim final rule that updates the conditions for poultry facilities to receive indemnity and compensation after testing positive for HPAI.

Biosecurity audits have been identified as a crucial component in the fight against HPAI, and APHIS is now requiring farmers to undergo a biosecurity audit before restocking their poultry following an HPAI detection. This audit is also necessary before receiving future indemnity payments. By implementing these updated regulations, APHIS aims to address biosecurity challenges faced by poultry farmers and reduce the likelihood of multiple infections on their farms.

The importance of strong biosecurity measures in preventing the spread of HPAI has been emphasized by Dr. Rosemary Sifford, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer. She highlights the significant improvements in biosecurity made by U.S. poultry owners during the 2014-2015 outbreak, which led to a reduction in the presence of HPAI among the country’s poultry flock. Biosecurity has been identified as the most effective weapon in combating the virus, and the updated regulations will ensure that poultry producers are taking necessary measures to prevent future introductions of the disease.

While most poultry farmers already have robust biosecurity plans in place to prevent reinfection, APHIS has made indemnity payments to over 1,200 producers since the beginning of the current HPAI outbreak in 2022. However, there have been instances of multiple infections on commercial poultry premises, with some premises experiencing three or more infections. To address this, the interim final rule now requires commercial poultry farms affected by HPAI to pass a biosecurity audit before restocking and be eligible for future indemnity.

In addition, commercial poultry premises within the “buffer zone” around infected areas will also need to undergo a biosecurity audit before moving poultry onto the premises to be eligible for future indemnity. APHIS will not provide indemnity for flocks moved onto premises in active infected zones if the flocks become infected with HPAI within 14 days following the dissolution of the control area around an active infected premises.

The data from the 2022-2024 HPAI outbreak has demonstrated the effectiveness of updated regulations in preventing the spread of the disease. Through extensive industry outreach, information sharing on biosecurity best practices, and on-farm engagement, APHIS has worked to educate poultry producers on the importance of biosecurity measures. The interim final rule represents a proactive approach by APHIS to mitigate the impact of HPAI outbreaks and protect the poultry industry.

In conclusion, the updated regulations introduced by APHIS underscore the critical role of biosecurity in preventing the spread of HPAI and protecting poultry farms. By requiring biosecurity audits before restocking and providing indemnity, APHIS aims to equip farmers with the necessary tools to combat the disease effectively. These measures are essential in safeguarding the poultry industry and ensuring the continued health and well-being of poultry flocks across the country.