1) quickly diagnose, control, and prevent the spread of all H5 and H7 avian influenza (AI) subtypes; 2) improve biosecurity, sanitation, and disease control in commercial poultry and high-risk poultry…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded a $101,480 Cooperative Agreement to the Kentucky Poultry Federation Inc. under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care Federal Grant Program (CFDA 10.025). The purpose of this agreement is to: 1) quickly diagnose, control, and prevent the spread of all H5 and H7 avian influenza (AI) subtypes; 2) improve biosecurity, sanitation, and disease control in commercial poultry and high-risk poultry sectors; and 3) minimize the effects of H5/H7 AI on the commercial poultry industry. The Kentucky Poultry Federation will serve as the initial point of contact for reporting suspect AI cases, conduct biosecurity audits of commercial flocks and facilities, maintain National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) records, and provide outreach and educational programs for commercial and small-scale poultry producers in Kentucky. The award period is from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

1) quickly diagnose, control, and prevent the spread of all H5 and H7 avian influenza (AI) subtypes; 2) improve biosecurity, sanitation, and disease control in commercial poultry and high-risk poultry sectors and 3) minimize the effects of H5/H7 AI on the commercial poultry industry. Serve as the initial point of contact for reporting suspect AI cases. Conduct CFR-defined biosecurity audits of commercial flocks and audits of hatcheries and slaughter plants as defined by CFR. Maintain npip records, including 9-3S, and track and distribute producer laboratory reports. Gather updated producers and contract grower information and update premises information in emrs; conduct outreach and educational programs for commercial producers, smaller flock owners, and veterinarians. Collaborate with the kentucky department of agriculture and the USDA to update kentucky's poultry disease response plan, identifying needs and deficiencies. Review the avian influenza and other poultry test results from flocks inside kentucky. Conduct in-person and virtual meetings and workshops with individual poultry company personnel and with statewide and regional groups. The programs will enhance the knowledge and skills of all segments of the poultry industry, enabling them to develop biosecurity plans for their premises and create contingency plans to respond to an AI outbreak. Commercial poultry producers and small flock poultry owners will benefit directly, and poultry product consumers will benefit in the long run. Additionally, the state of kentucky and our local corn and soybean farmers will benefit from having a secure local source to sell their products. Kentucky has two state laboratories that are authorized to conduct avian testing. Those laboratories are paid to perform testing of surveillance samples collected as part of this agreement.