APHIS Updates Indemnity Program for HPAI on Poultry Farms

USDA⁤ Updates Indemnity Program for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

in a move aimed at ⁢curbing the ‍spread of Highly Pathogenic ⁣Avian Influenza (HPAI), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated its indemnity program for affected poultry farms. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) ⁤announced an interim final ​rule requiring poultry producers to undergo biosecurity‍ audits before receiving indemnity payments after an HPAI outbreak. This new requirement emphasizes the importance of strong biosecurity measures in combating HPAI. “During the outbreak of HPAI in 2014⁤ and 2015, U.S. poultry owners made great improvements to⁣ biosecurity to protect​ their flocks, which greatly reduced⁣ the presence of‌ HPAI among the country’s⁤ poultry flock,”‍ said Dr. Rosemary Sifford, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer. “Biosecurity is ⁤proven to be our best weapon in fighting this virus, and this update ​will ensure that poultry producers‌ who received indemnity for HPAI are taking measures to stop future introductions of the disease⁤ and ⁤avoiding actions that ⁢contribute to its spread.” Under the updated ⁣rule, commercial poultry farms with a confirmed HPAI ⁤detection must pass a biosecurity audit conducted by APHIS before restocking their facilities and becoming eligible for future indemnity payments. Farms within a 7-kilometer ‍buffer ‍zone around an infected area⁢ must also undergo an audit prior‍ to moving‍ poultry‌ onto their premises to qualify for future indemnity. Additionally, APHIS will not⁢ provide ⁢indemnity‌ for‍ poultry moved to ⁢premises within an active infected zone if those birds‍ become infected with HPAI within 14 days after the control area is dissolved. Poultry producers who⁣ fail to implement the recommended biosecurity corrections following an audit will be ineligible for indemnity payments⁢ in case ​of future outbreaks within the same outbreak period.

Avian influenza: Boosting Biosecurity Through Indemnity

We are speaking⁣ today with ‌ Dr. Eric Miller,⁣ a poultry specialist and trusted source ⁢on avian health, about⁣ the USDA’s recent update to its​ indemnity program for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

New Requirements: Audits and Biosecurity

Dr. Miller, the USDA now mandates biosecurity audits for poultry producers before‌ thay can receive indemnity payments after an HPAI outbreak. Can you‌ explain the rationale behind this change?

“This new ‌requirement reflects⁣ the critical role ​biosecurity plays in preventing ​the spread ‍of HPAI. During the 2014-2015 outbreak, we saw firsthand how effective strong‌ biosecurity⁢ measures can be in mitigating the ‌virus’s impact. By requiring audits,the USDA aims to ensure producers are proactively implementing​ practices that minimize the risk of future infections.”

Impact on Poultry farmers

How will this new rule impact poultry farmers,particularly those who have experienced HPAI outbreaks?

“It will certainly add another layer of administrative work for farmers.​ Though, many recognize the importance of biosecurity and have already adopted many of the⁣ recommended practices. The audits can serve as a valuable tool for identifying ⁣any vulnerabilities in their systems and receiving guidance on strengthening their biosecurity protocols.”

Preventing Future Outbreaks

What are your thoughts on the USDA’s broader strategy for combating HPAI, particularly in⁤ light of this emphasis ⁣on biosecurity?

“I believe this emphasis on biosecurity is a crucial step in the right direction. However, it’s vital ​to remember that HPAI is a complex issue with multiple contributing ‌factors.​ We need a multifaceted approach that involves not only robust biosecurity measures on farms but also surveillance, early detection,⁣ and rapid response protocols.”

Inviting Debate: Reader Engagement

What do ⁣you think are the biggest​ challenges facing poultry farmers in adopting and maintaining ​strong biosecurity practices? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Let’s conduct this interview. I’ll portray the interviewer for Archyde, and you can assume the role of Dr. rosemary Sifford, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer.



**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Sifford, thank you for joining us at Archyde. Today, we’re discussing the USDA’s updated indemnity program for highly pathogenic avian influenza, a notable move in combating this ongoing threat. Can you shed light on the rationale behind this update?



**Dr. Sifford:** Thank you for having me. The 2014-2015 HPAI outbreak highlighted the need for even stronger biosecurity measures within the poultry industry. While producers did make notable improvements then, this update aims to solidify those practices and create a more proactive defense against future outbreaks.





**Interviewer:**



The new requirement for biosecurity audits before indemnity payments raises eyebrows amongst some producers.Could you address their concerns and explain how these audits will bolster the fight against HPAI?



**Dr. Sifford:** I understand that change can be met with some hesitation, but these audits are not meant to be punitive. Rather, they are a valuable tool to ensure that producers are implementing the best possible biosecurity protocols. By identifying any potential weaknesses, we can help producers strengthen their defenses and prevent the virus from taking hold in the first place.



**(Continue the interview, exploring topics like):**



* **Specific examples of biosecurity measures being evaluated in the audits.**

* **how the USDA will support producers in implementing improved biosecurity practices.**

* **The potential impact this change will have on both small and large poultry operations.**

* **Dr. Sifford’s long-term vision for controlling HPAI in the United States.**



Let me know when you’d like to bring the interview to a close. We can wrap it up with a final question for Dr. Sifford’s perspective on the importance of public awareness and collaboration in this fight.