Large bird flu outbreak: 75,000 laying hens culled
In a large poultry farm in England, bird flu has broken out. 75,000 laying hens had to be culled.
The USDA is working on a vaccination plan against avian flu in poultry for the first time. The goal is to better contain future outbreaks and avoid mass culling.
Since 2022, over 175 million animals have been destroyed. This has led to significantly increased egg prices, supply shortages in the food retail sector, and over 1 billion US dollars in compensation payments to affected farms.
Vaccination strategy with international risks
A vaccination plan is expected to be presented in July. It is currently being coordinated with industry and states and will also be evaluated for international acceptance with trading partners. The USA is one of the largest exporters of poultry meat. Vaccination could lead to import bans, as some countries classify vaccinated animals as potentially virus carriers.
While egg and turkey producers in the USA are calling for vaccinations, the chicken industry is cautious. A proposal from the United Egg Producers includes vaccinations for chicks and regular testing. Herds that test positive will still be culled to provide reassurance to international trading partners.
In Europe, the focus on vaccination against HPAI is increasing. France is already vaccinating ducks, and initial pilot projects for laying hens are underway in the Netherlands. The US strategy could also provide new momentum for the EU.