The US Department of Agriculture is considering implementing a vaccine for poultry flocks to combat the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, which has led to soaring egg prices and significant economic impact on the poultry industry.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is exploring the use of ‘vaccines and therapeutics‘ for laying chickens, which could help reduce the need to depopulate flocks affected by bird flu.
Avian influenza vaccines are designed to protect birds against the H5 and H7 subtypes of the avian influenza virus.
These vaccines work by stimulating the bird's immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and neutralize the 'virus'.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination is a crucial component in controlling the spread of avian influenza among poultry populations.
Studies have shown that vaccination can reduce the risk of infection by up to 90%.
The vaccines are typically administered through injection or drinking water, depending on the type and age of the bird.
The current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been raging since 2022, with the virus detected in wild birds in every state. As a result, at least 166 million birds and 973 dairy herds have been affected, leading to 70 cases of bird flu in people, including one death.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral disease that affects birds and can be transmitted to humans.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), avian influenza outbreaks occur when domestic or wild birds carry the virus, which can then spread to other birds through direct contact with infected feces, saliva, or respiratory secretions.
The H5N1 subtype is a highly pathogenic form of the virus that has caused significant mortality in poultry and humans worldwide.
In 2014-2015, an outbreak in West Africa resulted in over 22,000 human deaths.
The Economic Impact of Bird Flu
The outbreak has had a significant impact on the poultry industry, with egg prices soaring by 53% from January 2024 to January 2025. The USDA predicts an additional 40% increase in 2025. To address this issue, the agency is committing $500 million for biosecurity measures on farms and $400 million in financial relief for affected farmers.
Vaccination as a Solution
The use of vaccines has been explored by other countries, with some already vaccinating against bird flu. However, the US has held out due to concerns that immunization could hurt the exported poultry market. The worry is that if vaccination does not provide full protection, the virus could go undetected in poultry exports, leading to trade restrictions.
Avian influenza vaccination is a crucial measure to protect poultry from the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.
The vaccine works by stimulating the bird's immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and fight the HPAI virus.
According to the World Health Organization, vaccination has been successful in reducing mortality rates among infected birds.
In 2014-2015, a vaccination campaign in Indonesia resulted in a significant decrease in HPAI cases.
However, vaccination efforts are often hindered by factors such as access to vaccines and lack of infrastructure.
A Targeted Approach
The USDA is considering a ‘targeted and thoughtful strategy’ for vaccination, focusing on egg-laying chickens rather than broiler chickens raised for meat. During the current outbreak, more than 77% of domestic poultry affected have been commercial egg-laying hens.
Expert Opinions
Gino Lorenzoni, associate professor of poultry science and avian health at Penn State University, notes that vaccines are not always completely effective against viral challenges. However, he believes vaccination would still help reduce the amount of virus circulating in the environment, slowing down the spread of the disease to more farms.
Carol Cardona, a professor of avian health at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, agrees that biosecurity alone is unlikely to eliminate bird flu. She emphasizes the need for new methods to keep the disease out, including vaccination.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
The USDA’s plan to address bird flu in poultry and lower egg prices across the country includes $100 million in research and development of vaccines and therapeutics, as well as exploring temporary import options and considering ways to increase the domestic supply of eggs.
