The United States government is set to invest up to $1 billion in efforts to combat the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has severely impacted the poultry industry and raised concerns about public health. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the funding on Wednesday, highlighting a multi-faceted approach that includes increased biosecurity measures, financial support for affected farmers, and adjustments to egg imports and exports. The initiative aims to address the crisis that has persisted for over three years, leading to substantial economic and agricultural consequences.
Since 2022, the highly pathogenic avian influenza has led to the deaths of approximately 166 million chickens, causing disruptions in egg and poultry production. The outbreak has not been limited to birds alone, as the virus has infected nearly 1,000 dairy herds and nearly 70 people, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality since early 2024. In response to the severity of the situation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking significant steps to mitigate the spread and economic fallout of the disease.
A large portion of the funding up to $500 million will be allocated to providing free biosecurity audits to farms. These audits aim to identify and strengthen weak points in farm operations that could contribute to the spread of the virus. Additionally, $400 million will be directed toward increasing financial assistance to farmers who are forced to cull their poultry due to infection. Rollins emphasized the importance of these measures during a conference of state agriculture officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to stabilizing the industry and preventing further losses.
The funding will be partially sourced from budget cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Rollins noted in an op-ed published by The Wall Street Journal that reallocating these resources is necessary to address the crisis effectively. While these measures are expected to provide relief, the USDA is also exploring the possibility of vaccinating poultry against bird flu. However, the decision to implement a vaccination program remains contentious within the poultry industry due to concerns over potential trade restrictions that some countries might impose on vaccinated poultry products.
To further stabilize the domestic egg market, the administration is adjusting trade policies by increasing imports and reducing exports of eggs. This strategic shift aims to counteract record-high egg prices that have burdened consumers. In a significant move, Turkey has agreed to export 15,000 tons of eggs to the U.S. through July, helping to bolster domestic supply.
The current investment follows a similar effort under former President Joe Biden, who allocated over $800 million in May of the previous year to address bird flu outbreaks in livestock. Reports indicate that approximately $450 million of that funding remains available, providing additional resources to support ongoing containment and prevention efforts.
As the USDA and other agencies work to combat the crisis, the focus remains on protecting both the agricultural sector and public health. The outbreak’s impact has underscored the need for long-term solutions, including potential vaccine development, improved biosecurity protocols, and a more resilient poultry industry. The administration’s commitment of up to $1 billion signals the urgency of the situation and the federal government’s determination to bring the outbreak under control.
