March 19 – Following U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ recent announcement of emergency funding to combat avian flu and reduce egg prices, USDA is announcing the expansion of biosecurity assessments and audits available to commercial poultry producers. These programs are part of the proactive measures taken to improve biosecurity on individual premises and prevent introduction or spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to directly support America’s farmers and ranchers.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will lead the following assessment programs, available to all commercial poultry producers not affected by HPAI:

Wildlife Biosecurity Assessments – APHIS Wildlife Services will conduct on-farm assessments at facilities and provide recommendations to producers for facility repairs and wildlife management techniques. The assessments include a series of regular engagements including wildlife hazard identification surveys, wildlife abundance surveys, and wildlife management on these premises.
Biosecurity Incentives-Focused Assessments – APHIS Veterinary Services will work with producers to review biosecurity plans and physical measures. This is a proactive resource for premises that are outside of HPAI control areas to identify and mitigate potential biosecurity gaps to prevent disease introduction.

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