The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on Monday that poultry operations seeking compensation for losses due to avian flu will now be required to undergo a biosecurity audit before restocking. This new regulation is in response to ongoing biosecurity challenges faced by some poultry farmers, as well as multiple infections occurring on their farms despite efforts from APHIS, state and federal veterinary officials, and industry outreach.
The implementation of this requirement comes in the wake of a significant outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry that began in 2022. Data from this outbreak has underscored the importance of updated regulations in preventing the further spread of this disease. The new requirement is outlined in an interim final rule issued by APHIS on Monday, which will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register on Tuesday. Comments on the regulations will be accepted until March 5.
The poultry industry has faced a challenging period with the recent surge in HPAI cases. In December alone, over 16 million birds had to be culled, a stark increase from previous months. Since the outbreak began in 2022, a total of 127 million birds nationwide have been depopulated. USDA Chief Veterinary Officer Rosemary Sifford emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures in combating the virus, noting that improvements made by poultry owners during the 2014-2015 HPAI outbreak had significantly reduced the presence of the disease in the country’s poultry flock.
In response to the current outbreak, APHIS has made indemnity payments to over 1,200 producers, with 67 unique commercial poultry premises experiencing at least two HPAI infections. These premises have collectively received over $365 million in indemnity payments out of nearly $1.1 billion distributed in total. HPAI has also impacted dairy operations, with infections initially reported in Texas before spreading to 16 states, predominantly in California.
Under the new interim rule, APHIS will also require a biosecurity audit for commercial poultry premises located within buffer zones around infected areas. Movement of poultry onto these premises will be subject to audit compliance. Additionally, indemnity payments will not be made for flocks moved onto premises in active infected zones if they become infected with HPAI within 14 days following the dissolution of the control area. Producers who do not implement recommended biosecurity measures will not be eligible for indemnity payments in the event of future infections within the same outbreak.
In light of these developments, it is clear that biosecurity measures play a crucial role in preventing and controlling the spread of avian flu in poultry operations. Producers are encouraged to prioritize biosecurity protocols to safeguard their flocks and mitigate the risk of disease transmission. For more updates and news on the agricultural industry, visit www.Agri-Pulse.com.