Rollins launches $1 billion plan to fight avian flu

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is rolling out a $1 billion initiative to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza, safeguard the poultry industry, and lower egg prices. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins outlined the comprehensive strategy, which supplements ongoing financial support for poultry growers affected by flock depopulations.

The five-pronged approach includes $500 million dedicated to strengthening biosecurity, $400 million in financial relief for impacted farmers, and $100 million for vaccine research, regulatory adjustments, and potential temporary import measures.

“The Biden administration did little to address the repeated outbreaks and high egg prices that followed. By contrast, the Trump administration is taking the issue seriously,” Secretary Rollins wrote. “American farmers need relief, and American consumers need affordable food. To every family struggling to buy eggs: We hear you, we’re fighting for you, and help is on the way.”

1. Strengthening biosecurity measures

USDA will expand its Wildlife Biosecurity Assessments to more producers, starting with egg-layer facilities, to mitigate the primary cause of HPAI: transmission from wild birds. The agency will also increase biosecurity audits, requiring affected farms to address vulnerabilities to qualify for future indemnifications. To support these efforts, USDA will provide up to 75% of the costs for necessary biosecurity improvements, with total available funding of $500 million.

2. Financial relief for farmers and faster repopulation

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will continue indemnifying producers whose flocks are depopulated due to HPAI. Additionally, the agency is exploring programs to streamline repopulation efforts and expedite recovery, with $400 million allocated for these efforts through the end of the fiscal year.

3. Regulatory adjustments to support innovation and lower prices

The USDA and the Food and Drug Administration will collaborate on strategies to safely expand the commercial egg supply while easing burdens on small-scale egg producers. The agency will also work with scientists and farmers to limit flock depopulations during outbreaks and address regional disparities in egg prices, particularly in states like California.

4. Investment in vaccine research and disease mitigation

A $100 million investment will fund research into vaccines, therapeutics, and bio-surveillance strategies to protect egg-laying chickens. The USDA plans to work with international trade partners to minimize market disruptions and ensure public health considerations are incorporated into new solutions. Stakeholders, including state agricultural leaders and poultry farmers, will have opportunities to provide input through biweekly discussions.

5. Temporary import-export adjustments and global best practices

The USDA will evaluate options for increasing egg imports and adjusting export levels to supplement domestic supply, pending safety assessments. Additionally, the agency will review international best practices in egg production to identify potential strategies for boosting domestic availability.