The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program at the National Pork Industry Conference; pork producers are expected to be the biggest recipients.

USDA will authorise payments for losses from March 1, 2020 to December 26, 2020, with payments based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock.

Mr Vilsack said: “Throughout the pandemic, we learned very quickly the importance and vulnerability of the supply chain to our food supply.

“Many livestock producers had to make the unfortunate decision to depopulate their livestock inventory when there simply was no other option. This targeted assistance will help livestock and poultry producers that were among the hardest hit by the pandemic alleviate some financial burden from these losses.”