A new vaccine for avian flu has been approved by the US Department of Agriculture, developed by Zoetis, a New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company. The H5N2-Subtype vaccine is designed to fight the bird flu virus that has infected 23 million birds in the last 30 days, causing widespread euthanasia and rising egg prices.
According to News 12, eggs are a staple in many New Jersey households, with shoppers willing to pay $4.79-$6.99 per dozen due to high prices caused by the outbreak. The vaccine could serve as a solution for poultry farmers, potentially reducing egg costs.
However, the vaccine’s use is subject to federal approval, with national regulatory authorities deciding whether to promote its use. While vaccines are used in other countries, concerns remain about detecting infected birds and potential import restrictions on vaccinated birds.
The vaccine’s availability could bring down egg prices, benefiting consumers like Amanda Redman from Edison, who says eggs are a crucial part of her daily diet. With the bird flu outbreak showing no signs of abating, the Zoetis H5N2-Subtype vaccine offers hope for poultry farmers and potentially relief for consumers at the grocery store.
Source: https://bronx.news12.com/usda-approves-avian-flu-vaccine-developed-by-nj-based-company