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USDA Environmental Impact Statement on HPAI Control

 08/18/2024

The USDA has produced an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) outlining three alternative approaches to disposal of flocks following depopulation.  The USDA is therefore soliciting comments to be submitted before September 30th, 2024.

 

The alternatives are: -

  • No Federal Operational Assistance – Under this option, flock owners and the state and local authorities would be entirely responsible for depopulation, disposal of carcasses and managing logistics without USDA-APHIS direct involvement.  USDA-APHIS would provide technical guidance and may provide indemnity or financial compensation.
  • Federal Operational Assistance – Under this alternative, USDA-APHIS would be responsible for all activities and would provide operational assistance and actively participate in carcass disposal and transportation with cleaning and disinfection the responsibility of states.
  • Federal Operational Assistance with Biosecurity Incentives – The USDA considers this as the preferred alternative.  The Agency would provide complete support and assistance as described under the Federal Operational Assistance alternative.  In addition, the alternative would provide an incentive to comply with established biosecurity plans for commercial producers including in-person or virtual audits.

 

The Environmental Impact Statement included the effects of depopulation on soil, air and water quality, human health and safety, equity and environmental justice, wildlife health and endangered species.  No specific differences on the environment were attributed to any of the three alternatives.

 

Prompt diagnosis, euthanasia, depopulation and disposal of infected flocks is considered essential to the control of HPAI in poultry.  Submissions or comments are invited through the Federal e-Rulemaking portal www.regulations.gov entering APHIS-2022-0055 in the search field.    Comments may be submitted by mail, citing docket number APHIS-2022-0055. 

 

For additional information, contact Ms. Chelsea Bare, Chief of Staff Veterinary Services, APHIS Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Whitten Building, Room 318-E, Washington, D.C. 20250 or Chelsea.J.Bare@USDA.gov.