Egg prices have decreased in recent weeks, but bird flu continues to be a hot topic across the country, especially with its devastating effect on poultry farms in Arizona.
The head of the USDA has provided a progress report on its strategy plan against the virus.
The USDA says it has conducted more than 900 biosecurity assessments at poultry facilities across the country, with at least one at an unnamed farm in Arizona.
Lisa Rochette with the USDA says the assessments began in January, shortly before the Trump administration took over.
“[Then] around early February, our new secretary of agriculture initiated a funding program to really promote these assessments and also to provide some potential financial incentives," Rochette said.
The department is offering two types of free voluntary assessments for commercial poultry producers not yet affected by bird flu
One is to evaluate the facility’s current practices.
“We provide experts who will evaluate the environment of the farm and consider any wildlife behaviors that also could contribute to biosecurity risk," Rochette said.
The USDA promises to then share up to 75% of the potential costs to that facility to address the highest-risk biosecurity concerns identified.
The USDA says those interested can email [email protected].
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