The ag industry is responding to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins’ billion dollar strategy to combat High-Path Avian Flu.
Her five-point strategy includes expanding the Wildlife Biosecurity Assessment, a pilot program put in place two years ago. USDA will also offer $400 million in financial relief to farmers. The plan also calls for vaccine exploration, as well as temporary egg imports to reduce prices. Rollins also says the Department is looking to remove burdensome regulations, like state laws that put restrictions on animal housing.
High-Path Avian Flu was a big topic during a Senate Ag Committee hearing this week. Witnesses from across the ag sector included the egg and turkey industries, and they told lawmakers they were excited to hear USDA’s new plans, and they just hope it does not take too long to see results.
“What we have is what we have, and we have to start somewhere. I applaud the Administration for making that step today, I just hope it doesn’t take too long, you know, and I hope that we move roadblocks out of the way, and that we go after it with vengeance because there’s a lot on the line,” said Tony Wesner with United Egg Producers.
A big part of Rollins’ new plan includes enhanced biosecurity training and inspections, but the National Turkey Federation says the industry is beyond that, and they need vaccines now.
“We’re beyond biosecurity. We’ve done as much as we can. Some of our most strict bio-secure facilities are still contracting AMPV and HPAI, so we need to look at new tools for our toolbox, and the primary tool we have to look at is vaccination,” said John Zimmerman.
Other stakeholders told lawmakers that they will begin looking at manufacturers for a vaccine, but say poultry is unique because it would be nearly impossible to use traditional vaccines on millions of birds.
Several groups have come in support of the new plans, including House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson. He calls it a clear and effective strategy that will bring relief to consumers and better tools for the industry. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig also supports the move, saying farmers in his state have been hit hard by the virus. He says he is looking forward to working with USDA on strengthening their response strategy.
