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
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
Dr. Deb Vnoverbeke, UNL’s Head of Animal Science, joins us with more about the university’s experiential learning programs designed to prepare veterinary students for the future of agriculture.
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.

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.