They are prioritizing vaccinations.
Newly appointed Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is gearing up to unveil a plan aimed at addressing the ongoing bird flu outbreak. While specifics of the proposal remain unclear, the role of vaccinations in the effort is still in question. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted a conditional license to Zoetis, a vaccine manufacturer based in New Jersey, for its avian influenza H5N2 vaccine designed for chickens. However, the USDA has stressed that this vaccine is still in the research stage and is not yet approved for widespread commercial use.
A USDA representative indicated that Rollins is likely to announce the new approach soon. In a recent discussion, Rollins emphasized the severity of the bird flu and its impact on egg prices, noting that she is open to all possible solutions, including the use of vaccines. She acknowledged that while other nations vaccinate their egg-laying hens, this practice brings potential trade issues.
Rollins pointed out the need to study how countries like Canada have effectively managed bird flu outbreaks with vaccines, which has kept their egg prices lower. Although she recognizes the difficulties in implementing such a strategy in the U.S., Rollins stressed that it is crucial to explore all options to safeguard the poultry sector and lower egg prices.
Since January 2022, the bird flu has severely affected wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks in the U.S. According to the CDC, over 160 million cases have been detected, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive plan to tackle the outbreak.
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