By Jamie Martin
USDA announces initiatives to protect the nation's livestock from the H5N1 virus. An additional $824 million in emergency funding is allocated to support rapid response activities by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This funding will facilitate diagnostics, field response activities, and research on vaccines for HPAI in various livestock species.
In addition, USDA introduces the Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program to enhance disease monitoring and mitigation efforts. This program offers dairy producers alternative testing and movement options, allowing for faster movement of cows while ensuring ongoing disease surveillance.
Producers enrolled in the pilot program can move animals without additional pre-movement testing if their herds test negative for H5N1 for three consecutive weeks. Regular weekly monitoring and testing are required to maintain herd status.
USDA urges dairy producers to participate in the pilot program, which aims to gather data on disease spread and support disease-free statuses for states or regions. Detailed guidance on enrollment and maintenance of herd status will be provided on the APHIS website.
These actions complement previous initiatives aimed at protecting livestock health and ensuring a safe and secure food supply.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National