USDA Explores Bird Flu Vaccine for Poultry: Testing Export Implications

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is evaluating a plan to vaccinate poultry against bird flu, focusing on potential export effects. This plan arises after egg and turkey producers submitted usage proposals, with nearly 175 million poultry culled since 2022 due to outbreaks, marking a significant animal-health crisis.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering a historic plan to vaccinate poultry against bird flu, assessing the potential impact on exports. According to Reuters, discussions have been prompted by various proposals from egg and turkey producers drastically impacted by the disease.

Almost 175 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been culled since 2022 in a desperate measure to contain the virus, marking the worst animal-health emergency in the nation's history.

The USDA's move to explore vaccination represents a significant shift in their approach to controlling disease outbreaks, emphasizing a balance between animal health management and economic implications for the poultry industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)