WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced significant progress in its five-pronged strategy to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), improve biosecurity in poultry production, and reduce egg prices for American consumers. Implemented earlier this year, the strategy has helped lower wholesale egg prices by 64% and retail prices by 27% from their peak, while bolstering on-farm biosecurity efforts.
At the core of USDA’s initiative are free, voluntary assessments for poultry producers focused on mitigating risks from wildlife and strengthening overall biosecurity. To date, 948 assessments have been conducted nationwide, with USDA covering the full cost of the evaluations and contributing up to 75% toward addressing high-risk concerns identified during these reviews.
“When President Trump entered office, the cost of eggs was at a record high, seriously denting consumers’ wallets after years of awful inflation. On my first day as Secretary, we got to work to implement a five-pronged strategy to improve biosecurity on the farm and lower egg prices on grocery store shelves,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “While we are proud that over 900 biosecurity assessments have been conducted to date, resources remain available, and we are urging poultry farmers of all sizes to get your assessments done today before a potentially challenging fall.”
The USDA strategy includes a wide range of reforms to assist poultry farmers and secure the nation’s egg supply, including:
- Support for Biosecurity Improvements – Farmers may request USDA biosecurity assessments to address key vulnerabilities, such as wildlife exposure and facility maintenance.
- Expedited Relief for Farmers – USDA has provided over $70 million in increased indemnity payments since February 2025 to aid producers repopulating flocks following HPAI outbreaks.
- Regulatory Streamlining – Secretary Rollins has worked with producers to reduce reporting burdens, extend line speed waivers, and remove unnecessary safety data requirements, strengthening the poultry sector.
- Innovation in Avian Flu Research – USDA’s HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge received over 400 proposals, requesting $793 million in funding for vaccine development and preventative measures.
- Import and Export Enhancements – More than 40 million eggs and egg products have been imported in 2025 to supplement domestic supply, with USDA approving three new facilities for processing imported eggs.
The strategy reflects a coordinated response to protect poultry producers, stabilize prices, and ensure food security. With key initiatives underway and biosecurity improvements accelerating, USDA continues to call on producers to utilize its tools to safeguard their operations and maintain progress in combating HPAI.
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