Today, a Federal Order requiring testing for and reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in livestock goes into effect under the Animal Health Protection Act.
The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) explained, “HPAI is deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days. HPAI is a threat to the poultry industry, animal health, human health, trade, and the economy worldwide. In the US, HPAI has now been detected in dairy cattle.“
The agency stated, “APHIS has determined that good cause exists to impose these requirements without notice and comment, as further delay would threaten to hasten the spread of the disease, multiplying the potential harm to livestock, poultry, the dairy industry, and, potentially, human health.“
The USDA said officials “have not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans and between people.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Secretary Tom Vilsack as he oversees efforts to detect, control, or eradicate the disease from livestock.
- For Administrator Michael Watson to be led by God as he heads the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
- For USDA officials as they seek to limit the spread of HPAI.
