USDA Rolls Out Financial Aid to Dairy Farmers Amidst Bird Flu Crisis
Source: The DairyNews
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new measures on Friday to financially assist dairy farmers in bolstering "on-site biosecurity" against the avian flu outbreak. This outbreak has unexpectedly spread to dairy cattle, with H5N1, a virus usually lethal in poultry, now confirmed in 36 herds across nine states and linked to one human case.
To counteract the spread and potential economic fallout, the USDA is allocating up to $28,000 per farm for enhanced protection and testing. This funding, part of a larger $98 million initiative, will cover costs such as personal protective equipment (PPE) for farm staff, veterinary fees, safe milk disposal, and increased frequency of herd testing.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the urgency of the response, noting the limited federal jurisdiction over state-level farm operations. He encouraged states to consider regulations on the movement of potentially infected cattle. Despite the low mortality rate among cattle infected with H5N1, the virus significantly reduces milk production, posing severe economic risks to farmers.
In response to these challenges, the USDA has committed to compensating farms for production losses due to the virus. Fred Gingrich, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, highlighted the critical need for this support to ensure timely and accurate reporting of the outbreak.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also taken precautionary steps, testing raw milk for the virus and confirming that pasteurized milk, which represents the majority of the market, remains safe for consumption. This move aims to prevent potential mutations of the virus that could lead to widespread human transmission.
In appreciation of these efforts, the National Milk Producers Federation praised Secretary Vilsack's leadership, underlining the importance of safeguarding farm workers and animals, managing public health risks, and maintaining consumer confidence in dairy products.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the urgency of the response, noting the limited federal jurisdiction over state-level farm operations. He encouraged states to consider regulations on the movement of potentially infected cattle. Despite the low mortality rate among cattle infected with H5N1, the virus significantly reduces milk production, posing severe economic risks to farmers.
In response to these challenges, the USDA has committed to compensating farms for production losses due to the virus. Fred Gingrich, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, highlighted the critical need for this support to ensure timely and accurate reporting of the outbreak.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also taken precautionary steps, testing raw milk for the virus and confirming that pasteurized milk, which represents the majority of the market, remains safe for consumption. This move aims to prevent potential mutations of the virus that could lead to widespread human transmission.
In appreciation of these efforts, the National Milk Producers Federation praised Secretary Vilsack's leadership, underlining the importance of safeguarding farm workers and animals, managing public health risks, and maintaining consumer confidence in dairy products.
