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
Brooks York of AgriSompo discusses projected prices and how farmers are adapting their crop insurance strategies as the price discovery period comes to a close.
For the broader agricultural industry, a railroad antitrust case in Kansas could lead to the dismantling of legacy regulatory shields, creating a more fluid, market-driven transportation grid that prioritizes moving crops efficiently over protecting historic rail monopolies.
Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
The long-term viability of a ranching operation often hinges on how effectively its owners navigate the overlapping layers of IRS regulations, state tax incentives, and USDA disaster programs.
Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.
New details on the massive wildfire threatening farms and ranches in the Southern Plains.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
Kansas State University agricultural economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl discusses rising diesel prices, the influence of global oil markets, and the potential impact on farmers heading into the spring planting season.
Vive’s Art Graves shared insights on the new Phobos FC 360 foliar fungicide, its advantages for Canadian growers, early performance results, and the company’s ongoing commitment to advanced crop protection solutions.
Kentucky Firefighters Jonathan and Lonny Epley and Extension Agent Leann Martin tell us about a new portable grain bin rescue tool, and its potential to enhance safety for farmers and first responders nationwide.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.