The USDA expects to identify more cases of bird flu in dairy cows as the outbreak continues. So far, the virus has been confirmed in 121 herds.

To enhance monitoring and testing, the USDA encourages farmers to enroll in a voluntary program for weekly tests of milk samples taken from bulk coolers. Participating farmers can transport lactating cows across state lines without testing their cows, provided the weekly tests are negative.

APHIS Executive Director of Field Operations Julie Gauthier explained the next steps include increasing participation in the herd status program and rolling out the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP). This program is intended to compensate producers for losses due to disease and bad weather. Eligibility for ELAP is limited to people with less than $900,000 in adjusted annual gross income. There is no limit on the amount of money paid to a producer.

Read more on the USDA’s efforts to monitor the bird flu outbreak in dairy herds here.