U.S. Commits $200 Million to Combat Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cows
Source: The DairyNews
U.S. health and agricultural authorities have announced a commitment of nearly $200 million in funding and additional support measures to address the bird flu outbreak affecting the nation's dairy herds.
This outbreak has now reached more than 40 herds across nine states. The funding allocation includes $101 million dedicated to the continuation of prevention, testing, tracking, and treatment efforts for both animals and humans exposed to the H5N1 virus, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will manage approximately $98 million of this fund, providing up to $28,000 per farm to enhance testing and biosecurity measures aimed at preventing the virus's further spread. Moreover, dairy producers will receive compensation for the decreased milk production that results from the illness in cattle, ensuring financial stability during this critical period.
Additionally, the plan includes compensation for dairy farmers and farm workers who participate in a workplace study conducted jointly by the USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aimed at further understanding and mitigating the spread of the virus.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will manage approximately $98 million of this fund, providing up to $28,000 per farm to enhance testing and biosecurity measures aimed at preventing the virus's further spread. Moreover, dairy producers will receive compensation for the decreased milk production that results from the illness in cattle, ensuring financial stability during this critical period.
Additionally, the plan includes compensation for dairy farmers and farm workers who participate in a workplace study conducted jointly by the USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aimed at further understanding and mitigating the spread of the virus.
