Omaha, Neb. (AP) — As bird flu continues to disrupt the poultry industry, vaccines are emerging as a potential solution to prevent mass culling and stabilize egg prices, which have soared to nearly $6 per dozen. However, concerns over chicken exports worth billions of dollars have delayed widespread adoption of vaccination.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has pledged $100 million to study bird flu vaccines in collaboration with poultry industry groups. This initiative is part of a larger $1 billion effort to enhance biosecurity and reduce outbreaks, a move that could help ease rising egg prices.
The Case for Vaccination
Since 2022, bird flu outbreaks have led to the culling of over 166 million birds in the U.S., primarily affecting egg-laying hens. The loss of these birds has significantly driven up egg prices, with some regions experiencing prices as high as $8 to $9 per dozen.
Without vaccines, the current policy remains mass culling to contain the spread of the virus. Poultry veterinarian Simon Shane, editor of Egg-News.com, emphasizes that the government’s hesitation to adopt vaccines stems from resistance within the meat chicken industry.
“This is a political issue, and it only became urgent because egg prices are skyrocketing, putting pressure on the government to act,” said Shane.
Why Hasn’t the U.S. Used a Bird Flu Vaccine?
The main obstacle to implementing a vaccination program is ensuring an effective tracking system to monitor outbreaks. Unlike other livestock vaccines, bird flu vaccines present challenges in detecting infected birds, as vaccinated flocks may not show symptoms. This concern extends to international trade, where poultry-exporting countries fear that vaccinated birds could still harbor the virus undetected.
John Clifford, former chief veterinary officer of the USDA, suggests that before implementing a vaccination strategy, the U.S. must work with trading partners to prevent trade restrictions.
“What the industry wants is a clear plan to share with trading partners and ensure minimal disruption to exports,” Clifford said.
Another logistical challenge is vaccine administration. Egg farmers advocate for oral vaccines through feed or water, as individually vaccinating millions of birds in a single barn is impractical.
What Can Be Learned from Other Countries?
China and Mexico have been vaccinating poultry for years, but their approaches differ. In Mexico, infected flocks are not culled, allowing the virus to persist. China, however, still culls infected flocks despite vaccination, which has proven more effective in limiting outbreaks.
Experts suggest that the U.S. would need to maintain strict culling policies alongside vaccination to prevent the virus from spreading. Additionally, vaccines may be most beneficial for egg-laying hens and turkeys, as broiler chickens are typically slaughtered at a young age and have lower infection rates.
Will Vaccines Help Lower Egg Prices?
Even if vaccines are implemented, relief won’t come immediately. It takes around 20 weeks for new hens to mature and start laying eggs, meaning the market would still face supply shortages in the short term.
While egg prices may ease slightly after the peak demand period around Easter, the USDA predicts that average egg prices will still be 41% higher than the 2024 average of $3.17 per dozen, reaching approximately $4.47 per dozen.
For now, poultry farmers and consumers alike will be watching closely as the government navigates this complex issue.
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