Groups are worried poultry vaccinations could result in big trade losses

The National Turkey Federation says it supports a vaccine strategy but warns that trade and logistical challenges could arise.

“Medicate, not depopulate” is the new message from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) around flocks found with Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) cases. However, some groups warn that it could cause a significant trade loss.

The National Turkey Federation says it supports a vaccine strategy but warns there could be trade and logistical challenges. They say those issues need to be addressed before any plans are put in place. The National Chicken Council agrees, asking that any strategy be made with broilers in mind. It says the fallout as a result of vaccinations could be devastating for producers.

In mid-February, Zoetis announced it received a conditional license from the USDA to develop an HPAI vaccine for chickens. Conditional licenses are issued during emergencies and will stand until Zoetis proves safety, purity, and efficacy.

Secretary Rollins has suggested a shift in USDA’s strategy for tackling the Avian Flu and began holding meetings after her swearing-in last week.

Watch her full exclusive interview here.

Related Stories
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
Cuba remains a small but dependable, cash-only outlet for U.S. grain and food products.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
Farms and major food companies use AI to improve efficiency and forecast demand. Still, developers said that training AI for different uses is only possible with support from knowledgeable workers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.