he The USDA is close to developing a vaccine against the current avian influenza virus.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said this, according to a Reuters cable.
More Since January 2022, 81 million poultry and waterfowl have died from avian influenza in 47 U.S. statesAccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It’s probably going to be about 18 months or so before we have a vaccine that’s going to be effective against this particular disease that we’re dealing with right now,” Vilsack told a congressional hearing.
Vilsack said the USDA plans to discuss poultry vaccinations with its trading partners amid concerns that other countries may restrict imports of vaccinated birds.
The World Organization for Animal Health said in May that governments should consider vaccinating poultry against bird flu to prevent the virus from spreading into a pandemic.
This step is critical for international trade in poultry products and preventing future disease outbreaks.
Reuters. (Reporting by Leah Douglas; Editing by Javier Leila in Spanish)