The US government’s decision to cancel a $770 million contract with Moderna for developing an avian flu vaccine has left many experts concerned about the country’s preparedness against a potential pandemic. The move, made by the Trump administration, has sparked criticism over its priorities and the risks it takes against a formidable foe.
Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a deadly infectious disease that can mutate and spread to humans, causing widespread illness and death. The virus already affects egg prices and could potentially lead to 70 million deaths worldwide if it spreads unchecked.
The cancellation of the contract with Moderna, which was aiming for an approval by early 2026, has raised eyebrows due to its potential impact on global production and access to the vaccine. The US government’s decision follows a pattern of prioritizing other areas over pandemic preparedness, including slashing funding for the National Institutes of Health and cutting billions of dollars from Harvard University.
Critics argue that the move is “dangerously bird-brained” and could leave the US vulnerable to limited production and supply shortages if an avian flu outbreak occurs. Moderna’s use of messenger RNA technology, which triggers immune responses, is seen as a promising solution but may be delayed due to funding constraints.
The implications of this decision are far-reaching, with the US potentially having to get in line behind other countries scrambling for limited production. As pandemics become increasingly complex and unpredictable, the need for robust investment in vaccine development and research has never been more pressing.
This move serves as a stark reminder that investing in pandemic preparedness is not just a moral imperative but also a sound economic strategy. The costs of inaction could be catastrophic, with estimated losses of $14 trillion from past pandemics, including the COVID-19 crisis.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/avian-flu-steamrolls-penny-grabbing-uncle-sam-2025-05-30