Section 4. Recovery

Indemnity is part of the disease control program that provides fair compensation to owners for their financial losses due to eradication of AI infected birds.  Appraisal of the fair market value of birds is estimated using several factors that consider the purpose for which the animal is being reared as well as its age, breed, physical condition, and potential production.³

• USDA indemnity is not certain. It is subject to funding.
  

• USDA compensates up to 100% of losses from a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak. The standard rate for low pathogenicity avian influenza is 50% of fair market value.
  

• Some industry associations, such as those on the Delmarva peninsula (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia), have their own compensation funds. Check with your state for supplemental compensation for losses during an outbreak.
  

Appraisal Procedures

• A foreign animal disease diagnostician (FADD) will determine if domestic birds are infected or exposed to HPAI virus.
  

• The FADD will conduct a preliminary inventory of birds and materials that will need to be assessed and managed.
  

• Next, an Appraisal Unit Leader will discuss any high value birds with the owner before an appraisal team is sent to the premises.
  

• In general, domesticated birds and other livestock will be appraised first and materials such as feed will be appraised last.
  

• In most cases, appraisal is performed prior to depopulation.
  

For more information on Avian Influenza Indemnity Program click here.

Allowable Claims Include the Following³

• Domesticated birds and other livestock destroyed due to infection or exposure to HPAI virus.
• Materials destroyed due to contamination or exposure to HPAI virus.

USDA Will Not Allow Claims Involving the Following

• A payee who has not complied with all quarantine requirements.
• Expenses for the care and feeding of domesticated birds and other livestock held for destruction.
• The destruction of domesticated birds and other livestock or materials unless these have been appraised as described in Part II, Section J, or the owner has signed the VS Form 1-23.
• The destruction of domesticated birds and other livestock or materials that have been moved or handled in violation of a law or regulation.

"It should be noted that USDA-APHIS will not provide indemnity for other losses associated with extended periods of downtime due to disease situations. USDA and its State partners will work expeditiously to complete necessary disease control response actions so that, to the extent possible, downtime is minimized."

 

• Cleaning and disinfecting bird houses and equipment more often or more effectively
• Wash hands and clothes more often
  
• Separate birds by species and age
• Change waste disposal methods

The United States is the world's largest producer and exporter of poultry meat and the second largest egg producer. According to 2009 USDA statistics, U.S. poultry meat production totals more than 43 billion pounds annually. U.S. egg operations produce more than 90 billion eggs annually, valuing the U.S. poultry industry at $29 billion a year.

The economic effects of any avian influenza outbreak can be devastating, not only for owners but to a city, state, and country as trade bans may be imposed. Response measures ranging from staffing and testing to depopulation, disposal, and decontamination procedures, are expenses that may also affect the economy. During the 1983-84 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Mid-Atlantic region, 17 million birds were euthanized and damages totaled $65 million.²³

You are the first line of defense for your birds and practicing good biosecurity makes you the most important protection your birds have. Remember to isolate your birds, control traffic, and keep your area clean. These steps will greatly increase your success in maintaining a happy healthy flock.