By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is stepping in to support dairy farms hit by the H5N1 avian influenza. Announced on May 10, the USDA will distribute $98 million in emergency funds to assist affected farms. This financial support, drawn from the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish program, aims to compensate farmers for the substantial drop in milk production due to the bird flu.
Dairy cows infected with H5N1 typically recover but suffer a significant decrease in milk yield during their illness. To mitigate these economic impacts, the USDA is also offering up to $10,000 for veterinary expenses and $2,000 monthly for waste milk disposal for farms with confirmed cases.
The USDA is investing in preventive measures, allocating funds for personal protective equipment and the development of comprehensive biosecurity plans. These measures are crucial for maintaining the safety and security of the U.S. milk supply, which has been confirmed unaffected by the virus according to recent tests by the FDA.
The broader response also includes a new federal mandate for influenza testing in dairy herds and a commitment from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to enhance disease monitoring and vaccine development efforts.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National