By Jamie Martin
The USDA is now extending financial assistance to dairy farmers impacted by the H5N1 bird flu through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP).
Eligible producers who have confirmed infections in their herds can apply for up to 90% compensation of their milk-production losses due to the disease.
This initiative, effective from July 1, requires dairy producers to provide proof of infection verified by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
The compensation calculation will consider a predicted 21-day no-production period per affected cow and a subsequent seven-day period of reduced production upon return to milking.
Bird flu has notably impacted 132 dairy herds across 12 states since March, with a significant increase in cases observed in recent weeks. Colorado, Idaho, and Iowa are the most affected, emphasizing the widespread nature of this outbreak.
While the USDA has decided against compensating for culled cows at this stage, Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted additional support measures including enhanced biosecurity, veterinary services, and subsidies for necessary testing and protective equipment for farm workers.
Despite these challenges, the overall dairy market remains stable as the infected herds constitute a minor fraction of the U.S.’s total.
The USDA also continues to expand its pilot herd status program to improve disease monitoring and control across various states, aiming to enhance the national response to animal health crises.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National