The USDA gave its first report on the nation’s new avian influenza strategy, noting declining egg prices, expanded biosecurity inspections and new egg import commitments.

“Egg prices are falling, farmers are getting the relief they need and we are seeing meaningful progress in the fight against avian flu,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, in a news release.

The progress update, released March 20, comes less than a month after the new strategy on bird flu and egg prices was formally announced by the USDA.

Since Feb. 26, wholesale egg prices have dropped nearly 50%, according to the news release.

Seasonal demand surrounding Easter — the holiday is April 20 — may cause price fluctuations, however.

Biosecurity expansion

The USDA has expanded biosecurity assessments, prioritizing egg-laying facilities in top-producing states.

More than 130 facilities have undergone assessments in 2025, with 38 assessments completed in the week before the progress report.

To help prevent further outbreaks, the USDA now offers two free, voluntary biosecurity assessments.

One is focused on wildlife risk mitigation and the other is on general biosecurity improvements.

Additionally, all farms affected by HPAI must complete a biosecurity audit before restocking flocks.

The USDA is covering up to 75% of the cost for the highest risk biosecurity improvements.

Accelerating repopulation, reducing burdens

To support faster repopulations and provide financial relief — one of the five prongs of the federal bird flu strategy — the USDA increased the indemnity rate for layer hens by nearly 2.5 times on Feb. 27.

Compensation is now $16.94 per bird.

Reducing regulatory burdens also was a key aspect of the USDA strategy.

The agency continues to evaluate solutions and explore new ways to reduce the extent of depopulations while maintaining food safety standards.

Research and vaccine development

The USDA, consulting with several other federal agencies, launched a $100 million effort to support research into HPAI prevention, therapeutics and potential vaccines.

A competitive funding process will be detailed for potential applicants during an April 1 webinar hosted by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Priority will be given to projects that:

•  Develop novel therapeutics to address HPAI in poultry.

• Advance research on avian influenza risk pathways to improve biosecurity and outbreak response.

• Explore vaccine candidates to protect poultry while minimizing trade disruptions.

Egg import-export adjustments

The USDA has secured new egg import commitments from Turkey and South Korea, with ongoing discussions with other countries to expand supply.

U.S. shell egg imports have also declined by 8%, ensuring more eggs remain in the domestic market to stabilize prices.