WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a series of advancements in the Department of Agriculture’s five-pronged strategy to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and ease the burden of soaring egg prices. During a stakeholder update on Thursday, March 20, Rollins highlighted the tangible results achieved since the plan was implemented less than a month ago.
“Egg prices are falling, farmers are getting the relief they need, and we are seeing meaningful progress in the fight against avian flu,” Rollins stated. “USDA is making targeted investments and driving innovation to keep our food supply strong and affordable — delivering real results for American families and producers.”
The strategy has already yielded measurable progress, with wholesale egg prices dropping nearly 50% since February 26. The New York wholesale egg price, which previously peaked at $8.53 per dozen, has fallen to $4.08 as of March 19. While Easter-related demand may briefly affect prices, the sustained downward trend suggests the USDA’s interventions are working.
Advancements Across the Five-Pronged Strategy
Strengthening Biosecurity Measures
To curb the spread of HPAI, the USDA has ramped up biosecurity assessments at commercial poultry facilities across the country, with a focus on egg-laying operations in top-producing states. Over 130 facilities have been assessed in 2025, including 38 last week. This comprehensive effort includes offering two free, voluntary biosecurity assessments aimed at wildlife management and overarching biosecurity improvements.
USDA requires all farms affected by HPAI to complete a biosecurity audit before restocking their flocks. To encourage adoption, the Department is covering up to 75% of the costs needed for the highest-risk biosecurity enhancements.
Financial Relief for Farmers
Recognizing the economic toll of disease outbreaks, USDA introduced a significant increase in financial support for farmers. On February 27, the indemnity rate for layer hens was more than doubled, rising to $16.94 per bird. The increased compensation has provided timely relief for affected farmers while supporting faster repopulation efforts.
Reducing Regulatory Barriers
The USDA, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and industry stakeholders, has initiated evaluations of regulatory adjustments to responsibly expand egg supplies. These measures are designed to ease burdens on farmers, ensure safe practices, and identify innovative approaches to managing avian influenza. The Department is also reviewing ways to reduce the scale of depopulations without compromising food safety.
Investing in Research and Development
A $100 million funding opportunity was announced by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to accelerate research into avian flu prevention, therapeutics, and vaccines. Developed in consultation with federal health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the initiative prioritizes projects that advance vaccine candidates and innovative biosecurity solutions.
Global Efforts to Stabilize Supply
To balance the domestic egg supply, the USDA has engaged in temporary import-export adjustments. New egg import agreements have been secured with Turkey and South Korea, ensuring increased domestic availability. Concurrently, exports of U.S. shell eggs have declined by 8%, further stabilizing supplies for American consumers.
Broader Impacts on Agriculture and Consumers
The USDA’s multi-faceted strategy reflects its commitment to addressing the immediate and systemic challenges posed by HPAI and volatile egg prices. Beyond price relief, the measures contribute to protecting poultry operations, sustaining a stable food supply, and reinforcing U.S. competitiveness in the global agriculture market. With prices trending downward and biosecurity rigor improving across the industry, producers and families alike are set to benefit.
The Department’s swift actions signal not just a response to current challenges but a proactive commitment to bolstering the resilience of the agricultural sector amid ongoing threats. “These advancements demonstrate USDA’s dedication to safeguarding American agriculture while ensuring affordability and availability for consumers,” Rollins affirmed.
The USDA is expected to continue refining and expanding its strategy as it works toward long-term solutions that support the nation’s agricultural backbone while protecting food security.
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