USDA considers vaccination plan against HPAI in poultry
In an exclusive disclosure to Reuters, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that it is developing a potential plan to vaccinate poultry against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) for the first time. This initiative comes amid mounting industry pressure, particularly from egg and turkey producers who have suffered devastating losses during the ongoing outbreak, which has led to the culling of nearly 175 million birds since 2022 - marking the worst animal health crisis in U.S. history.
Professionally, the plan under consideration addresses both epidemiological control and trade implications. It includes evaluating the impact of vaccination on international poultry exports, a sensitive issue given concerns that vaccines may obscure viral circulation and trigger import bans from trading partners. Industry sources indicate the USDA aims to finalize a draft plan by July 2025, in consultation with state officials and trade partners.
A plan submitted by the United Egg Producers outlines a vaccination protocol beginning at the chick stage, followed by boosters and routine surveillance testing. Notably, the strategy still allows for culling of infected flocks to mitigate trade concerns.
While egg and turkey sectors support the plan - given their high susceptibility and reduced export dependence - the chicken meat industry, represented by the National Chicken Council, remains cautious. Although the council now conditionally supports vaccination, it previously warned that inoculating even egg-layers could endanger the entire poultry export sector, a critical revenue stream for broiler producers.
In summary, this exclusive Reuters report highlights a critical shift in U.S. poultry health policy, as the USDA weighs a scientifically driven vaccination strategy against complex trade, surveillance, and sectoral challenges.
