Outbreak Response Activities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Outbreak Response Activities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry in the United States and U.S. Territories; Record of Decision

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the final programmatic EIS on outbreak response activities for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in poultry across the United States and U.S. Territories. The APHIS Administrator signed the ROD on May 23, 2025, following the required 30-day waiting period after the final EIS was published on April 18, 2025. The ROD implements the preferred alternative described in the final programmatic EIS. This Federal Register notice is procedural, confirming the decision; the full impact analysis is in the underlying EIS.

Notice of Availability of Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Outbreak Response Activities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry in the United States and U.S. Territories

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has released a final programmatic Environmental Impact Statement analyzing three alternatives for federal response to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry operations nationwide. The three alternatives are: No Federal Operational Assistance, Federal Operational Assistance (No Action), and Federal Operational Assistance with Biosecurity Incentive (the Preferred Alternative). The Preferred Alternative conditions indemnity payments on biosecurity audit compliance and is expected to produce the least environmental impact. A 30-day public review period runs through May 19, 2025, after which APHIS will issue a Record of Decision.

Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Outbreak Response Activities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry in the United States and U.S. Territories

Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Outbreak Response Activities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry in the United States and U.S. Territories