Wayne Pacelle of Animal Wellness Action posted a strong response to the February 26th “Five-pronged Strategy” announced by Secretary Brooke Rollins to suppress the ongoing epornitic of H5N1 avian influenza. Pacelle correctly points to the futility of a three-year program of attempting to “stamp out” infection responsible for depopulation of approximately 130 million hens and pullets since the emergence of the disease in 2022.
Dr. Jim Keen, Director of Veterinary Science for the Center for a Humane Economy affiliated with the organization run by Pacelle, is a strong advocate of vaccination. He stated, “It is astonishing to me that Secretary Rollins is talking about “exploration of a vaccine and therapeutics when what’s needed is on-the-ground implementation of vaccination.” He added, “There is no need and no time for further R&D on poultry bird flu vaccines as excellent H5 vaccines are readily available commercially.”
It is seldom that EGG-NEWS shares common sentiment with welfare activists but their call for initiation of vaccination of laying hens and turkeys is valid. Dr. Keen correctly maintains that establishing and maintaining flock immunity is preferable to an ongoing and rolling program of depopulation.
Pacelle stated, “Secretary Rollins is genuflecting to the demands of the trade association representing the broiler industry.” He added, “The National Chicken Council is opposing a vaccination strategy in the United States even through vaccination is conducted in China, F
rance, Mexico and other countries and appears to be a key factor in limiting the spread of disease and death in birds.” It is clearly evident that HPAI is endemic in the U.S., having been diagnosed in all 50 states and has persisted since 2022 with a large reservoir of migratory waterfowl and more recently domestic birds and small mammals in addition to dairy herds.
Based on the epidemiologic realities EGG-NEWS finds common cause with these activists in calling for a structured program of flock protection using available vaccines. This prevention modality should be directed to turkeys and egg-production flocks in high-risk areas. Any program should be accompanied by surveillance to monitor immunity and to dect possible emergence of infection in accordance with World Organization of Animal Health policies that permit trade with vaccination.