As High Pathogenic Avian Flu continues to spread across the United States, ag health officials are working to begin trials for a potential vaccine.
USDA officials tell AgriPulse the ag research service will be testing four candidates. The idea comes with mixed reviews from poultry groups. The National Chicken Council opposes the idea saying it could cost the broiler industry billions of dollars because some countries do not accept exports from countries that do vaccinations.
USA Poultry as well as the Egg Export Council call the idea “very complex” because they feel the vaccines can help reduce the number of HPAI cases, but it will not offer complete protection.
To date, nearly 60 million birds have died nationwide since the outbreak began over a year ago.
