Animal health company Zoetis says it is one step closer to victory in the fight against High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI).
The company says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given them a conditional license to develop a potential vaccine for chickens. Conditional licenses are issued during emergencies and will stand until Zoetis proves safety, purity, and a reasonable expectation of efficacy. Zoetis began working on the vaccine as soon as the virus strain was discovered in U.S. flocks in early 2022.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley hopes Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins can address the problem of vaccinated meat exports.
“I think from previous conversations with people, we haven’t used the vaccine because of international trade restrictions, and I think if she could win that over and we can vaccinate, I think it will take care of the problem.”
This all comes amid reports that several USDA employees working on High-Path Avian Flu research were mistakenly let go last week. We contacted the Department, and a spokesperson told us they are working to bring them back because they are considered public safety employees. One ag lawmaker understands the frustrations but is asking for some grace.
In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.
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The USDA opened a new sterile fly-dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas to prevent a potential outbreak of New World screwworm and protect the small U.S. cattle herd.
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China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
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Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
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Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
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American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
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The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
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Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
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