The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a conditional license for an avian flu vaccine, allowing its use in chickens amid a severe outbreak that is driving up egg prices. The vaccine, developed by Zoetis, was announced as a response to the ongoing pandemic, which has infected over 20 million birds and confirmed more than 150 million since its start in 2022.
The conditional license is based on the demonstration of safety, purity, and reasonable expectation of efficacy. It is intended for use in emergency situations or special circumstances, but will expire after a set period. Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck stated that the vaccine is expected to help support the government’s efforts to combat the outbreak.
Historically, vaccination against bird flu has been met with caution due to concerns over detection and trade issues. However, as the virus spreads to other animal types, such as cattle, the US approach may be shifting. The USDA reports 146 flocks infected in the past 30 days alone, affecting a significant portion of the poultry industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the risks associated with bird flu, including over 70 confirmed cases in people in the US since March 2024. However, the CDC has stated that the public remains at low risk of infection.
To combat the outbreak, the National Economic Council is preparing a plan to present to President Trump, which includes options for vaccination and improved biosecurity measures. The plan aims to reduce the need for culling chickens and instead focus on smart perimeter management and medication.
In the meantime, Americans can expect egg prices to continue rising, with estimates suggesting a 20% increase in 2025 compared to 2.2% for food prices overall.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/16/health/bird-flu-vaccine-zoetis-avian/index.html