Senators have urged the USDA to prioritize a directive issued by President Biden in 2024, which mandates biosecurity assessments for farms previously affected by a virus, or those located near a controlled area, to qualify for compensation. The rule, though aimed at bolstering biosecurity and accountability for indemnities, was implemented hastily, as highlighted in a letter. The senators expressed concerns over the lack of trained auditors to conduct these assessments and the preliminary nature of the audits. They urged the USDA to ensure a sufficient number of qualified auditors before enforcing the regulation.
The letter also pointed out discrepancies in the current indemnity rates for poultry farmers, proposing adjustments based on more accurate data sources from the USDA and agricultural institutions. Additionally, it emphasized the need for increased outreach to all affected farmers to ensure fair compensation. The bipartisan letter was signed by senators from both parties, underscoring the shared commitment to support farmers and safeguard the food supply chain from the impact of the avian flu outbreak.
The ongoing crisis caused by the H5N1 bird flu has significantly affected American farmers and the agricultural sector, with no signs of abating. Industry experts have raised alarm over the scale of the outbreak, with millions of birds lost and a substantial decrease in production. Efforts are underway to address the supply shortages and combat the spread of the virus in key egg-producing states.
Secretary Rollins, during her confirmation hearing, emphasized the urgency of assembling a dedicated team to tackle the bird flu and other related diseases. The USDA is actively engaging with Senator Ernst and her colleagues to address this pressing issue and enhance response efforts to the avian flu outbreak.
Secretary Rollins’ inflationary economic policies have only exacerbated the existing problem, making it worse for the American people who deserve access to affordable eggs. In response, she is wholeheartedly dedicated to taking decisive action against the avian flu, with the aim of reducing egg prices significantly. Collaborating closely with the White House, she is spearheading the development of a comprehensive strategy that will soon be unveiled to combat this issue effectively. Kristen Altus from Fox News Digital contributed to this report, highlighting the urgency expressed in a bipartisan Senate letter calling for immediate attention to the devastating impact of the virus on farms.
