The USDA and HHS have recently announced financial incentives to help prevent the spread of bird flu in dairy cattle. These incentives will provide up to $28,000 per farm over four months to support prevention steps. However, concerns have been raised by advocates for farm workers about the adequacy of these payments to encourage testing for the H5N1 virus.
In late March, the USDA confirmed the first bird flu infection in cows, with more than 40 herds testing positive in nine states. The USDA is prioritizing the containment of the virus as an animal health event. Financial support is also available for workers on affected farms to access personal protective equipment and participate in testing studies. However, advocates for farm workers are skeptical that the $75 payment for testing participation will be enough.
The USDA is offering payments to help farms develop biosecurity plans and cover veterinary costs for affected cattle. Additionally, an extra $101 million in funding has been allocated to the CDC and FDA for H5N1 response efforts. The National Milk Producers Federation has expressed satisfaction with the financial help for dairy farmers and is willing to collaborate with federal agencies to contain the outbreak.
Overall, these financial incentives and support programs aim to prevent the further spread of bird flu in dairy cattle and ensure the health and safety of both animals and farm workers. It is important for farms to take advantage of these resources to protect their livestock and prevent the potential devastation of an outbreak.
