USDA Grants Conditional License for Bird Flu Vaccine Amid Ongoing Outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a conditional license to Zotus, a vaccine manufacturer, to produce a bird flu vaccine for chickens. This marks a potential shift in the U.S. strategy toward fighting the H5N1 avian flu outbreak, which has devastated the poultry industry since 2022.

A spokesperson for Zotus said the company's scientists began updating their existing avian flu vaccine several years ago. On Friday, the USDA granted them a conditional license, allowing for limited production and distribution of the vaccine as testing continues.

A Shift in Strategy?
Unlike other countries that vaccinate poultry, the U.S. has traditionally focused on eradicating bird flu outbreaks by culling infected or exposed flocks. Since 2022, over 150 million birds have been euthanized in an effort to stop the spread. However, this strategy has led to higher egg prices and nationwide shortages, prompting discussions about alternative solutions.

Protecting Poultry & Preventing Future Outbreaks
Zotus has previous experience developing bird flu vaccines, notably creating one to protect endangered California condors in 2023. The latest vaccine could play a crucial role in preventing mass cullings, stabilizing egg supplies, and mitigating the economic impact on the U.S. poultry industry.

While the USDA's conditional approval signals progress, the full-scale rollout of a bird flu vaccine for commercial poultry remains under review. Industry experts and government officials will continue monitoring the effectiveness of the vaccine and its potential impact on domestic and international trade.

Stay tuned for updates as the U.S. navigates this potential shift in bird flu prevention.