Financial Aid for Michigan Dairy Farms Impacted by HPAI

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announces immediate financial aid for Michigan dairy farms affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This support aims to help farms recover and advance critical HPAI research. Eligible farms can receive up to $28,000 each, with funding available for up to 20 farms, supplementing existing USDA assistance.

Eligibility and Requirements:

• Collaborate with MDARD and USDA’s APHIS for epidemiological investigations.
• Participate in real-time longitudinal studies with MDARD and Michigan State University.
• Engage in HPAI A(H5N1) programs with MDHHS, if applicable.

MDARD Director Tim Boring stated: “Michigan dairy farmers face unprecedented challenges due to HPAI. This financial aid is crucial for their support and for advancing real-time scientific research to improve our emergency response.”

State Rep. Reggie Miller added: “Michigan’s proactive HPAI response includes much-needed financial support and research participation to help combat HPAI and support our dairy industry.”

MDARD’s Strategy:

• Proactive, science-based approach to mitigate HPAI spread.
• Collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to address animal and public health.
• USDA emergency management and epidemiological teams provide on-ground assistance and real-time data.

Ongoing Efforts:

• Monitoring animal health and conducting trace investigations.
• Providing personal protective equipment to dairy operations.
• Rapid response and outreach to mitigate disease spread.

For more information or to sign up for HPAI alerts, visit www.michigan.gov/birdflu. Read press release here.