The Trump administration is rolling out a new strategy to combat avian flu, moving away from mass culling of infected flocks. Spearheaded by National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the plan prioritizes enhanced biosecurity measures and medication to control the spread of the virus. Link to our prior Special Report on this topic.
Key Points of the New Strategy
- Biosecurity and Medication: Improved containment protocols and medication aim to reduce reliance on widespread culling.
- Smart Perimeter Approach: Targeted containment methods will enhance efficiency in preventing outbreaks.
- Collaboration: Government scientists and global academic experts are contributing to the plan’s development.
Recent Developments
- Vaccine Approval: Zoetis received conditional USDA approval for an avian flu vaccine.
- Industry Support: Major poultry and dairy organizations back vaccine use to control the virus.
Concerns and Challenges
- Trade Impact: The National Chicken Council warns that vaccinating flocks could hinder poultry exports.
- Efficacy of Previous Measures: Critics argue that the Biden administration’s mass culling approach was costly and ineffective.
- Ongoing Outbreak: The flu has affected over 150 million birds since 2022, driving up egg prices and causing supply shortages.
Future Outlook
The plan’s success hinges on industry adoption and global trade acceptance. Balancing effective disease control with maintaining poultry exports remains a critical challenge for the administration.