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Source: USDA, 4/27/22
USDA’s Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is leading a growing response to a large
outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). To date, the virus has
been confirmed in 29 states, affecting more than 33 million domestic birds.
APHIS is working closely with State animal health officials on joint incident
responses in each of the affected states.
To help ensure APHIS can continue to provide critical rapid response
activities, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack approved the transfer of nearly
$263 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to APHIS to directly support
the response efforts. The funding allows APHIS to continue its critical work
with state and local partners to quickly identify and address cases of HPAI in
the United States.
“Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a serious concern for our nation’s poultry industry, and we need to continue our nationwide response to minimize the impact,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The Agency’s actions during this ongoing emergency serve to safeguard U.S. poultry and egg producers and reduce the effects of avian influenza on agriculture and trade, while also enhancing readiness for other animal health emergencies.”
The Secretary is authorized to transfer funding from available resources (e.g.,
the Commodity Credit Corporation) to address emergency outbreaks of animal and
plant pests and diseases.
Secretary Vilsack previously approved the use of approximately $130 million in
emergency funding in mid-March, and APHIS has used these funds to address
nationwide HPAI detections to date. These funds have been used to address
indemnity, diagnostics, field activities, and other emergency response costs. For more of this story, click here.
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