Zoetis receives a conditional license for an HPAI vaccine

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.

Related Stories
Rural businesses report softer sales, tougher hiring, and restrained investment — a backdrop that can pinch farm support capacity even if posted prices cool.
Friday’s release will be the first WASDE report in about two months, and early estimates indicate a corn surplus is still on the way.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
If the House concurs and the President signs, USDA services and farm-bill programs resume at full speed with authorities extended for another year.
A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel joins FFA Today to share her story and excitement to connect with FFA members nationwide.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg outlines the Farm Bridge Assistance Program and responds to calls from lawmakers and ag leaders for more assistance and expanded trade opportunities for farmers.
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.
The Pet and Livestock Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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.