Tom Vilsack Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Official Website
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced new measures to curb the impact and spread of H5N1, following its first detection in dairy cattle in Texas on March 25, 2024. The USDA immediately initiated a series of investigations to understand the origin and potential impact of the disease on bovines and humans. On April 1, Texas reported the first human H5N1 infection associated with this outbreak, confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To mitigate risks to workers, the general public, livestock owners, and producers, federal response has utilized scientific data, field epidemiology, and risk assessments. The USDA is now implementing additional steps to reduce the impact of H5N1 on affected premises and producers. The HHS is also announcing new actions through CDC and FDA to increase testing capacity, genomic sequencing, and other interventions to protect health.
The USDA is offering assistance for producers with H5N1 affected premises to improve on-site biosecurity. This includes financial support for lost milk production in herds affected by H5N1. Additionally, it will provide funding for heat treatment to dispose of milk in a biosecure fashion. Producers will be reimbursed for veterinarian costs associated with confirmed positive H5N1 premises. Shipping costs for influenza A testing at laboratories in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) will also be offset.
The USDA will make $98 million in existing funds available to APHIS to fund these initiatives. If needed, USDA has the authority, with Congressional notification, to make additional funds available.
The U.S. government is addressing this situation with urgency through a whole-of-government approach. Additional details on how producers can access and apply for these financial tools are forthcoming.
Today, HHS announced new funding investments through CDC and FDA totaling $101 million to mitigate the risk of H5N1. Although the CDC’s assessment of the risk of avian influenza infection for the general public continues to remain low at this time, these investments reflect the Department’s commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of the American public.
The FDA is announcing an additional $8 million is being made available to support its ongoing response activities to ensure the safety of the commercial milk supply. This funding will support the agency’s ability to validate pasteurization criteria, conduct surveillance at different points in the milk production system, bolster laboratory capacity and provide needed resources to train staff on biosecurity procedures.
For more information about USDA's response to H5N1 in dairy cattle, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock. For details about CDC's response to H5N1, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/mammals.htm. For information about FDA's response to H5N1, visit www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai.
