MOUNT JOY, PA. – Pennsylvania state officials, the US Department of Agriculture and other poultry industry partners recently announced that a $25 million recovery and reimbursement program was set up for farmers and integrators affected by the latest outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

During the spring and summer, 17 poultry farms in Lancaster and Berks counties were impacted by the virus which killed more than 4.2 million birds. 

“Pennsylvania’s poultry industry is $7.1 billion to the economy and 26,600 jobs,” said Russell Redding, Pennsylvania’s agriculture secretary. “It’s food on the table here in the commonwealth and across the nation. This $25 million recovery program was critical to secure, and I’m grateful to Governor Tom Wolf and the General Assembly for recognizing the value of this industry in the budget. Pennsylvania’s poultry producers and integrators will remain vigilant, and together we are prepared to continue fighting this threat to our food system and economy during upcoming migrations.”

The HPAI Recovery Reimbursement Grant program will be allocated in two rounds. 

The first one, which is open now, includes only poultry farmers and integrators and to only those premises located in the 3-kilometer infected zones as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's General Quarantine Order. The 91 impacted poultry farms that have been identified as part of the first round have received a direct mailing of the application this week. The deadline to submit the application is Sept. 10.

The second round will be open to those who suffered losses in the control zones. More information will be available on the state agriculture website in the future. 

State officials noted that losses up to $100,000 will be reimbursed at 100%. Losses of amounts over $100,000 may be reimbursed on a percentage basis, based on the number of applications received and available funding.