Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official, has proposed an unorthodox plan to tackle the bird flu bedeviling U.S. poultry farms. Instead of culling infected birds, he suggests allowing the virus to spread and identify the birds that may be immune. However, experts say this approach would be inhumane and dangerous, with enormous economic consequences.
According to Dr. Gail Hansen, a former state veterinarian for Kansas, letting the virus sweep through poultry flocks unchecked would be “a recipe for disaster.” The risk of massive transmission and mutation of the virus is high, putting farm workers and other animals at great risk.
Kennedy’s plan has been met with skepticism from veterinary scientists, who argue that culling is not only more humane but also a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the virus. Dr. David Swayne, a poultry veterinarian, stated that letting the virus make its way across the farm would result in “inhumane” deaths in nearly 100 percent of the chickens and turkeys.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures on farms, including preventing the entry of the virus and using protective gear to halt its spread. While a long-term solution, these efforts aim to reduce the risk of outbreaks and protect both humans and animals.
As the virus continues to evolve, public health regulations would need to adapt to prevent the sale of birds that may be immune but also protect against future strains. Trade embargoes against poultry from the United States are also possible consequences if such a plan were implemented.
With over 1,600 outbreaks reported since January 2022 and more than 166 million birds affected, it is essential for authorities to prioritize effective measures to combat the bird flu, rather than adopting an untested approach that could have devastating consequences.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/health/kennedy-bird-flu.html