Senators Urge Swift Action on Bird Flu Vaccine Plan

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has urged the Trump administration to finalize a science-based bird flu vaccine plan for livestock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to expedite efforts as bird flu continues to impact the poultry industry, causing millions of deaths and rising egg prices.

A group of bipartisan U.S. senators has called on the Trump administration to finalize a plan for a bird flu vaccine for livestock, citing increased urgency as the virus continues to devastate the poultry industry. According to a letter seen by Reuters, over 180 million chickens, turkeys, and other poultry have been killed by the outbreak since it began in 2022.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed in June that it was working on a potential poultry vaccination plan, but the details remain undisclosed. Led by Amy Klobuchar, the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Republican Senator Mike Rounds, 23 senators have stressed the need for science-based feedback from stakeholders and experts.

The USDA has already earmarked $100 million for vaccine and therapeutic research for egg-laying chickens, but the poultry industry remains divided due to potential export impacts. Senators urge coordination with trading partners to address trade concerns regarding the vaccine strategy, especially as the USDA is yet to share a detailed plan with international partners.