Animal health company Zoetis says it is one step closer to victory in the fight against High-Path Avian Flu.
The company says USDA has given them a conditional license for a vaccine to be used on chickens. Conditional licenses are issued during emergency conditions and will stand until Zoetis proves safety, purity, and a reasonable expectation of efficacy. Zoetis began working on the vaccine as soon as the strain of the virus was discovered in U.S. flocks in early 2022.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he is hoping Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins can tackle the problem around vaccinated meat exports.
“I think from previous conversations with people, we haven’t used the vaccine because of international trade restrictions, and I think if she could win that over and we can vaccinate, I think it will take care of the problem.”
This all comes amid reports that several USDA employees working on High-Path Avian Flu research were mistakenly let go last week. We reached out to the Department, and a spokesperson tells us they are working to bring them back because they are considered public safety employees. One ag lawmaker says he understands the frustrations but is asking for some grace.
