The Biden administration is taking steps to compensate dairy farmers for cooperating with efforts to limit the spread of the bird flu virus. This includes an indemnity program that offers payments of up to $28,000 to farms to cover treating and testing sick cows, as well as financial assistance for lost milk production on infected farms. In addition, farm workers who participate in government-led studies will also be compensated. These measures are part of a broader federal push to increase spending on the bird flu response, including scaling up testing capacity and assessing bird flu vaccines.
While officials emphasize that the risk to humans from the bird flu virus remains low, the number of infected cows has been increasing across different states. The Department of Agriculture has reported more than 40 herds infected in nine states, with additional cases recently identified in Michigan. However, the administration pointed out that the new positive tests are not recent, and no new states have reported cases. Nevertheless, farms with infected herds are facing difficulties, and the government aims to provide support through the indemnity payments.
The payments to dairy farmers will cover various categories including reimbursement for veterinary costs, costs related to protecting workers exposed to the virus, and providing protective gear to workers on infected farms. The federal government will also help with disposing of milk from infected cows, as contaminated milk poses risks to other animals. The administration is encouraging states to limit herd movement within their borders and mandate testing for lactating dairy cattle traveling between states. Although farmers cannot be compelled to test workers or cows, officials are working to encourage cooperation.
Dr. Meghan Davis, a veterinary epidemiologist, believes that the indemnity payments are a good start, although they should have been implemented earlier. The value of the payments will depend on the size of the farm and the technology it uses. The Agriculture Department is planning to offer funds to reimburse farms for reduced milk production due to infected cows. In order to reduce the spread of the virus, states are being urged to limit herd movement, and testing is being mandated for lactating dairy cattle traveling between states.
Federal officials are also working with advocacy organizations and groups that represent farm workers to encourage cooperation in testing and monitoring workers and cattle for the virus. While cooperation is voluntary, the government is willing to accept samples that are voluntarily provided. The overall goal is to equip producers to reduce the risk of wider spread of the bird flu virus and provide support to farms with infected herds. The administration continues to emphasize the importance of controlling the outbreak and protecting the health of both animals and humans.
