U.S. Dairy, Turkey, and Egg Industries advocate for preventive H5N1 vaccination
In an August 16th letter to USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, key representatives from the U.S. dairy, turkey, and egg industries urged the USDA and its federal partners to expedite the development of safe and effective HPAI vaccines for dairy cows, turkeys, and egg-laying hens. These vaccines are seen as crucial for mitigating the spread of H5N1 within dairy herds and reducing the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spilling over into commercial turkey flocks and egg-laying operations.
The industries' concerns about the federal response come in the wake of HPAI outbreaks that began in February 2022, which have devastated poultry production and affected over 100 million birds to date. Since March, bird flu has infected at least 192 dairy herds, and 14 human cases have been reported. Consequently, more than $1 billion in indemnity payments have been made to producers.
