Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has voiced his support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s updated response plan to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI), announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The comprehensive $1 billion strategy is designed to curb the spread of avian flu, protect the U.S. poultry industry, and lower egg prices for American consumers.
The five-pronged plan includes several key components aimed at addressing the challenges posed by H5N1 HPAI. Among these, $500 million will be allocated to enhance biosecurity measures on farms. Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance of safeguarding poultry farms from the primary cause of HPAI transmission—wild birds. The funding will support on-farm biosecurity assessments and provide cost-share funding for necessary infrastructure improvements. Rollins noted that facilities adhering to these enhanced biosecurity measures have seen a significant reduction in flu cases.
Additionally, the plan allocates $400 million to update indemnity tables, ensuring that farmers receive fair market rates for affected birds. This update comes in response to calls from Secretary Naig and other industry leaders for more equitable compensation. The plan also explores a targeted H5N1 HPAI vaccination strategy, with $100 million earmarked for vaccine research, biosurveillance, and innovative solutions to minimize depopulation of egg-laying chickens.
Secretary Naig expressed his gratitude for the USDA’s commitment to addressing the impact of avian flu on Iowa’s poultry farmers. “I am supportive of exploring an effective H5N1 HPAI vaccination strategy,” Naig said. He encouraged collaboration between USDA, state animal health officials, farmers, and industry stakeholders to formulate an implementation strategy that minimizes potential trade impacts.
In her announcement, Secretary Rollins highlighted the urgency of the plan, citing the need for affordable eggs and support for American farmers. She contrasted the current administration’s proactive approach with the previous administration’s handling of the issue. “American farmers need relief, and American consumers need affordable food,” Rollins stated.
The USDA’s strategy also includes efforts to reduce regulatory burdens on the poultry industry, explore temporary import options to supplement domestic egg supply, and evaluate international best practices in egg production.
Both Naig and Rollins look forward to partnering with various stakeholders to implement this modern and effective response strategy, aiming to safeguard the poultry industry and support rural communities.
Full details of the Rollins strategy can be found on the USDA website.
