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
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
“We believe that it is just a matter of days or weeks... before we see New World screwworm in Texas.”
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.
Farmers may benefit from higher turkey prices this holiday season, but risks from HPAI and limited poult placements could further strain the supply.
According to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report for 2022-2023, food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S.
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rooster is a full-time farmhand, right-hand man on Shawn Raff’s cattle and dairy operation in Eatonton, Georgia.
While the 2018 Farm Bill received an extension under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act, the National Pork Producers Council wants lawmakers to do more to support the sector.
Kip Eideberg with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers details its campaign spotlighting the people who build equipment vital to farming and food manufacturing.
Buzzard discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor and the importance of sharing authentic stories about agriculture.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
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.