USDA to Rebuild Bird Flu Vaccine Stockpile

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to rebuild its stockpile of bird flu vaccines tailored to current virus strains affecting poultry and wild birds, amid a persistent outbreak that has resulted in over 130 million bird deaths since early 2022. The outbreak has not only devastated avian populations but has also led to increased egg prices and infections in dairy cattle, with nearly 70 reported human cases, mostly among farm workers. Despite calls from egg and turkey farm groups for immediate vaccine deployment, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that such actions are constrained by trade risks, as many countries prohibit imports of vaccinated poultry due to concerns about the vaccines masking the virus. The USDA previously established a vaccine stockpile after the 2014-2015 outbreak, which ultimately went unused. In addition, the USDA has expanded its bulk milk testing program across 28 states to help monitor the virus in dairy herds, recently detecting new cases in California and Texas. This strategic move highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the outbreak and the necessity for a coordinated response.