US government announces new financial incentives for farms to stem the spread of bird flu in dairy cattle

The US Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture have announced a new plan to pay dairy farmers and farm workers to prevent the spread of H5N1 bird flu. The government will provide financial support to farms for specific measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The USDA confirmed the first bird flu infection in cows in late March. The goal is to contain the virus as an animal health event and eliminate it from the industry. The plan also includes support for personal protective equipment, a study with the CDC, biosecurity plans, and veterinary costs. Additional funding will be provided to the CDC and FDA for response efforts.