The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will begin accepting applications for an expanded Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). This program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible dairy producers who have incurred milk losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) infection in their dairy herds.
Key Points:
- Program Start Date: Starting on Monday, July 1, 2024, eligible dairy producers can apply for financial assistance through ELAP.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Dairy herds must have confirmed positive H5N1 test results from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
- Cattle removed from commercial milk production during the 14-day period before the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test through 120 days after the sample collection date are eligible.
- Purpose: ELAP aims to assist with a portion of financial losses resulting from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking due to H5N1 infection.
- Biosecurity Measures: Producers are reminded to follow established APHIS biosecurity, detection, and testing guidelines to contain the spread of the disease.
- Affected States: H5N1 infections have been detected in 12 states, including Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the USDA’s commitment to supporting producers during unexpected challenges like H5N1 outbreaks. The agency continues to work closely with state veterinarians, animal health professionals, and federal partners to sustain production and contain the disease.
For more information, visit the official USDA press release.
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