USDA Eyes Bird Flu Vaccination as Poultry Industry Battles Outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is assessing a groundbreaking plan to vaccinate poultry against bird flu for the first time. This initiative considers the impact on exports, following proposals from egg and turkey producers affected by the virus, according to sources speaking to Reuters.

The plan comes in the wake of the nation's most severe animal-health emergency, which led to the culling of nearly 175 million birds since 2022. The resulting loss of egg-laying hens has driven egg prices to unprecedented highs, causing supply rationing in grocery stores, price hikes in restaurants, and increasing imports from nations such as Turkey and Brazil.

With a goal to finalize a detailed vaccination strategy by July, USDA officials have been collaborating with federal, state, and industry representatives. This move is critical to reassure trading partners that vaccinations will not hinder exports. However, the plan faces opposition from chicken meat producers who worry about potential trade restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies.)