USDA Plan for Bird Flu Poultry Vaccination Unveiled

USDA Unveils $1 Billion Plan to Combat Avian Influenza Outbreak

In a major step towards controlling the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a $1 billion-dollar comprehensive strategy. The goal is to protect the U.S. poultry industry, lower egg prices, and curb the spread of the avian flu virus that has devastated millions of birds since 2022.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that it is working with state regulators and poultry industry leaders to outline a national vaccination strategy to combat the ongoing bird flu outbreak. This initiative comes after mounting pressure from egg and turkey producers who have suffered significant losses due to the disease.

Research and Vaccination Efforts

The USDA pledged to spend up to $100 million on research into vaccines and other therapies to combat bird flu after prices spiked. Additionally, the agency is pursuing a more solid, written plan to potentially show importers the effectiveness of vaccinations in limiting trading.

Focus on Poultry Vaccination

Earlier this month, the USDA conditionally approved a license for an avian flu vaccine for poultry made by Zoetis, signaling a major development in the fight against the disease. The agency is working on a potential plan to vaccinate poultry against HPAI, a move that could reshape disease control efforts and global poultry trade.

In collaboration with state officials and industry leaders, the USDA aims to develop a comprehensive vaccine strategy to combat avian influenza and protect the poultry industry from further devastation. The plan is designed to tighten biosecurity measures and reduce the impact of the disease on domestic egg production.