COLUMBUS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to stop the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

What You Need To Know

  • Close to 100 million birds have been killed since the HPAI outbreak began in 2022
  • According to the United States Department of Agriculture, HPAI has been confirmed at least 69 times in dairy herds throughout nine states, including Ohio, as of May 30
  • Each week, Spectrum News 1 anchor Chuck Ringwalt and agriculture expert Andy Vance discuss an aspect of the state's agricultural landscape

4.2 million chickens were killed this month after an outbreak at an Iowa egg farm.

The United States Department of Agriculture reports at least 69 confirmed cases of HPAI in dairy cow herds. Three farmworkers have been infected with the virus.

Since the start of the outbreak in 2022, more than 96 million birds have been killed.

"Poultry farmers are getting more and more used to dealing with [HPAI]," agriculture expert Andy Vance said. "This outbreak in particular has been more challenging than some we've had, but the variance and the spread of these does tend to ebb and flow." 

The USDA said it will provide financial assistance to dairy producers affected by the virus.

The USDA said it will use $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to launch a new Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program 

The program's goals include testing options for producers and increased surveillance of the virus.

"USDA food safety inspectors are making sure that no animal, dairy cow or poultry that's infected with this disease is getting into the food supply," Vance said.

Vance also serves as the executive director of the Poultry Science Association.

If you have an idea for the Ag Report, a question for Chuck and Andy or you’d like to send a photo of your farm and the work you do, email charles.ringwalt@charter.com.

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