USDA Explores Poultry Bird Flu Vaccination Strategy
USDA Explores Poultry Bird Flu Vaccination Plan Amid Export Concerns
Washington D.C., USA – 21 June 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is developing a potential plan to vaccinate poultry against bird flu for the first time, an initiative that includes a crucial assessment of how such a programme might impact vital export markets. This move comes as the agency advances its evaluation of a vaccine following proposals from associations representing the devastated egg and turkey industries.
Since 2022, nearly 175 million chickens, turkeys and other birds have been culled in the United States in attempts to contain outbreaks of avian influenza. This is the nation’s most severe animal-health emergency.
The extensive loss of egg-laying hens, in particular, led to record egg prices this year, prompting grocers to ration supplies, restaurants to increase prices, and food manufacturers to boost imports from countries including Turkey, Brazil, and South Korea. In response to the crisis, the USDA had previously pledged up to $100 million for research into vaccines and other therapies to combat the virus. The USDA has also spent more than $1 billion compensating farmers for culled flocks, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Industry members anticipate the USDA to finalise its written plan by July. The department confirmed this week that it is collaborating with federal, state, and industry officials, as well as engaging with international trading partners, to develop this comprehensive strategy.
A proposed plan submitted to the USDA by an industry group representing egg producers suggests an initial vaccination for baby chicks, followed by a booster shot and regular testing of flocks. This approach aims to reduce susceptibility to infection while increasing monitoring for outbreaks. Under this proposal, flocks that test positive would still be culled, a measure deemed important for satisfying importers.
Original reporting by Reuters: USDA develops potential plan to vaccinate poultry for bird flu
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