Key Takeaways:
– The USDA has given a conditional license for a new bird flu vaccine for chickens.
– Zoetis, the maker, developed the vaccine to fight the H5N2 subtype.
– The vaccine could help stop the spread of bird flu, which has caused high egg prices.
– Other countries already vaccinate chickens, but the U.S. has focused on killing infected birds.
– Over 20 million birds have been affected by the virus in the last 30 days.
– Egg prices are expected to rise by 20% in 2025 due to the outbreak.
– Humans are at low risk, but people near infected birds have higher chances of infection.
New Hope for Poultry Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has given a conditional license for a new bird flu vaccine. This vaccine, made by Zoetis, targets the H5N2 subtype of avian influenza. The move comes as the country struggles with a severe bird flu outbreak that has caused egg prices to soar.
What Does This Mean?
Zoetis announced the approval on February 16, 2025. The company started working on the vaccine in 2022 after seeing the rise in bird flu cases. Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis, said, “We are excited to get this license. We think this vaccine will help the government fight the outbreak.”
The vaccine was approved based on its safety, purity, and expected effectiveness. A conditional license is usually given in emergencies. It is valid for a certain period.
Why Vaccination?
For years, the U.S. has focused on killing infected birds to stop the virus. However, other countries have used vaccines to protect their flocks. Now, the U.S. is considering a new approach.
The decision to vaccinate depends on national authorities. Zoetis has made bird flu vaccines before, like one used to protect California condors in 2023.
The Bird Flu Crisis
The current outbreak has hit hard. In the last 30 days, 146 flocks have been infected, affecting over 20.5 million birds. Since 2022, more than 150 million birds have been impacted.
The virus has also spread to other animals. For example, cattle in Nevada were infected in February 2025. This makes it harder to control the outbreak.
Risk to Humans
While the risk to humans is low, there have been cases. Since March 2024, about 70 people in the U.S. have caught bird flu. One person in Louisiana died from it.
People who work on farms or have backyard chickens are at higher risk. The CDC says the public is safe, but those in contact with infected birds should be cautious.
The Plan to Fight Bird Flu
Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, is working on a plan with Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins. They aim to stop the virus without killing chickens.
Hassett said, “We need better ways to protect farms. We are working on smart solutions with top scientists.”
Egg Prices Will Stay High
For now, Americans can expect egg prices to remain high. The USDA says egg prices could rise by 20% in 2025. This is much higher than the 2.2% increase expected for food prices overall.
Other items like beef, coffee, and orange juice are also getting more expensive. But eggs are hit hardest by the bird flu crisis.
The Future of Fighting Bird Flu
The new vaccine offers hope for controlling the outbreak. It could reduce the need to kill infected flocks and eventually lower egg prices.
Meanwhile, scientists continue to monitor the virus. They are working on better safety measures and ways to protect both animals and people.
For now, the focus is on stopping the spread of bird flu. With the new vaccine, there is hope for a better future for poultry and consumers alike.