USDA confirms vaccine against bird flu will be developed within a year and a half

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture reports that they could begin marketing an “effective” vaccine against the current strain of the disease within 18 months.

(take a nap) he USDA, Tom Vilsackannounced the imminent development of a vaccine against the current strain of avian influenza.

“It’s probably going to be 18 months or so before we find a vaccine that’s effective against this particular disease we’re dealing with right now (bird flu).”Vilsack told Reuters at the end of a congressional hearing.

The disease has resulted in the need to euthanize more than 81 million poultry and waterfowl in 47 U.S. states since January 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the same year, the disease spread to South America and the first infections were detected in Argentina in February 2023, initially in migratory birds, but then it also spread to some commercial farms, so the country lost the ” no status. In August, the poultry epidemic was under control.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to discuss poultry vaccinations with its trading partners amid concerns that other countries may restrict imports of vaccinated birds. According to Vilsack.

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. (Agricultural News)

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