USDA opens applications for HPAI H5N1 Milk Loss Assistance on July 1. Are you a dairy producer affected by H5N1? Learn how to get financial support now.
Imagine discovering that a virus is threatening your dairy farm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) knows this is critical and offers support. Starting Monday, July 1, applications will be open for financial help through the updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). This program assists you if your dairy herd suffers milk losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1).
“When something unexpected, like H5N1, threatens the economic viability of the producers we serve, we are committed to finding ways, where we have the authority to do so, to revisit existing program policies and provide the financial support needed to help producers recover and sustain production.” – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
- Application Start Date: Monday, July 1
- Program Purpose: Financial relief for milk losses due to H5N1
Understanding the Impact of HPAI H5N1 on Dairy Herds
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is a deadly virus that mainly affects birds but can infect humans and other animals. It’s alarming due to its rapid spread and high death rate among infected animals.
When this virus hits dairy herds, it severely disrupts milk production. Infected cows may show symptoms like reduced milk output, fever, lethargy, and respiratory issues. Severe cases can lead to suffering or death, causing the removal of infected cows from milking.
The presence of H5N1 in a dairy herd leads to lower milk supply because of the impact of cow health and strict biosecurity measures. These measures are necessary to control the virus but often involve isolating or culling infected cows, further reducing milk production.
Strengthening Support for Dairy Producers: An Expanded Focus
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) offers vital support to agricultural producers facing unforeseen challenges. Traditionally, this program covers emergency relief for livestock, honeybee colonies, and farm-raised fish, helping to recover from uncovered losses.
The USDA recently updated ELAP to address the challenges of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. This expansion financially supports dairy producers experiencing milk losses due to H5N1 infections in their herds. When dairy herds test positive, cattle must be temporarily removed from commercial milking, reducing milk production and financial strain. Through this targeted expansion, ELAP aims to ease those impacts.
Eligible producers must have positive H5N1 test results confirmed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). This expansion reinforces the USDA’s commitment to the dairy industry’s economic stability, helping producers overcome the challenges posed by this disease.
Navigating the Eligibility Criteria for USDA’s ELAP Support
To qualify for financial assistance under USDA’s Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), your dairy herd needs a confirmed positive H5N1 test verified by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). This verification ensures that support goes to those genuinely affected by the virus.
You’ll also need to show financial losses from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking due to the infection. Meet all application deadlines and provide the necessary documentation to support your claim.
By fulfilling these requirements, you can get the financial help needed to recover and maintain production, mitigating the economic impact of H5N1 on your dairy operations.
How to Apply for USDA’s HPAI H5N1 Milk Loss Assistance
The USDA has streamlined the application process to ensure dairy producers can access support without hassle. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Application Period:
- Applications open: Monday, July 1
- Application deadline: To be announced. Keep an eye on USDA updates.
Steps to Apply:
- Prepare Necessary Documentation:
- Proof of HPAI H5N1 positive test results from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
- Records of milk production losses.
- Information on dairy herd inventory.
- Financial records showcasing the impact of reduced milk production.
- Contact Your Local FSA Office:Visit or call your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to obtain the application forms. You can locate your nearest FSA office using the USDA’s online directory.
- Complete the Application Form:Fill out the application form accurately, ensuring all necessary documentation is included. FSA representatives are available to assist with any questions during this process.
- Submit Your Application:Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to your local FSA office by the specified deadline.
Additional Tips:
- Double-check all entries on the application form for accuracy.
- Make copies of all documents submitted for your records.
- Stay connected with FSA representatives for any follow-up actions required.
If you need further assistance or have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact your local FSA office or visit the USDA website for more information.
USDA’s Collective Efforts in Addressing HPAI H5N1 Challenges
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the department’s collaborative efforts: “We are committed to working with producers, state veterinarians, animal health professionals, and federal partners to detect and contain H5N1 in dairy herds.” He added, “When H5N1 threatens our producers’ economic viability, we are dedicated to revisiting existing policies to provide the necessary financial support.”
The Bottom Line
The USDA’s updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) now supports dairy producers affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Starting July 1, applications for milk loss compensation due to H5N1 infections will be accepted. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) aims to ease financial burdens by offsetting some losses from reduced milk production.
USDA’s initiative highlights its dedication to aiding dairy producers during unexpected crises. The program provides financial relief to help maintain economic stability and operational continuity. Working with state veterinarians, animal health experts, and federal partners, USDA adopts a comprehensive approach to managing and containing the disease, ensuring long-term industry resilience.
Summary:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to help dairy producers affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1). Starting July 1, applications will be open for financial help to address milk losses due to H5N1 infections in dairy herds. HPAI H5N1 is a deadly virus that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans and other animals. Its rapid spread and high death rate pose a significant threat to producers’ economic viability. To qualify for financial assistance under ELAP, dairy herds must have a confirmed positive H5N1 test verified by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
