WASHINGTON – As more highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases are reported around the country, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to offer resources and assistance. 

The agency announced that $263 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation will be transferred to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to help fight the virus.

The funding allows APHIS to continue its work with state and local partners to identify and address cases of HPAI.

“Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a serious concern for our nation’s poultry industry, and we need to continue our nationwide response to minimize the impact,” said Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the USDA. “The agency’s actions during this ongoing emergency serve to safeguard US poultry and egg producers and reduce the effects of avian influenza on agriculture and trade, while also enhancing readiness for other animal health emergencies.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack previously approved the use of approximately $130 million in emergency funding in mid-March 2022. These funds have been used to address indemnity, diagnostics, field activities, and other emergency response costs.

In the last few days, APHIS reported new cases of HPAI in Oklahoma, Alaska and Vermont.

The agency continues to work with state animal health officials to quarantine affected premises and depopulate birds on the property to prevent disease spread. 

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low.