USDA FSA HPAI Indemnity: Why Documented Biosecurity Matters
How USDA Farm Service Agency HPAI indemnity works and the documentation producers need to remain eligible.
When an HPAI outbreak leads to flock depopulation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers indemnity to help producers recover some of the value of lost birds. Administered through USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) with APHIS, these payments are tied to specific eligibility requirements.
Documentation is the key
To qualify for indemnity, producers must be able to demonstrate that they maintained and followed a documented biosecurity plan. Producers without documented protocols on file may receive reduced or no compensation.
What to keep on file
- A written biosecurity plan specific to the premises.
- Records of training, visitor logs, and sanitation activities.
- Evidence of prompt reporting when disease is suspected.
Plan before an outbreak
Indemnity is a safety net — not a substitute for prevention. The strongest position is a documented biosecurity program in place before an outbreak occurs.
See the USDA FSA indemnity programs page for current eligibility and application details.
This article is an editorial summary of publicly available information from the referenced official source. Regulations and guidance change — always consult the official source for the most current requirements.