The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated its five-pronged strategy to combat High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI). U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the plan to improve biosecurity on farms and lower egg prices on grocery store shelves has been successful.
Wholesale egg prices are down 64% from their peak in late 2024, while retail prices have dropped 27%, according to a recent USDA update. Restaurants like Waffle House have even eliminated their egg surcharges, reflecting the improving supply.
The USDA’s five-pronged plan includes free on-farm biosecurity assessments, increased financial compensation for affected farmers, regulatory relief, expanded imports, and major investments in research and innovation.
To date, the USDA has conducted over 900 voluntary biosecurity assessments nationwide. Rollins urged poultry producers to take advantage of free assessments before the fall migration season, when outbreak risks increase.
“While we are proud that over 900 biosecurity assessments have been conducted to date, resources remain available, and we are urging poultry farmers of all sizes to get your assessments done today before a potentially challenging fall,” Rollins said in a recent press release.
The USDA has also paid out more than $70 million in relief to producers of layer flocks.
Rollin’s update also noted the high number of proposals the USDA has received for research on HPAI prevention, therapeutics, and vaccines, saying those awards are set to be finalized this fall.
