USDA Grants Conditional Approval for Zoetis’ Bird Flu Vaccine in Poultry
The USDA has given Zoetis a conditional license for its bird flu vaccine, allowing limited use in poultry while monitoring its effectiveness.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given conditional approval to Zoetis Inc. for its bird flu vaccine for chickens. This move comes as bird flu (H5N1) continues to impact poultry farms across the country.
Why Is This Important?
Bird flu has caused massive losses in the poultry industry, with over 150 million birds affected since 2022. The virus has even spread to other animals, like dairy cattle and cats, and nearly 70 people in the U.S. have been infected. The vaccine could help control the outbreak and prevent further spread.
What Does "Conditional Approval" Mean?
The USDA granted a conditional license, which means the vaccine has been tested for safety and shows promise in preventing the virus. However, it will be monitored closely to ensure it works effectively. These types of approvals are issued during emergencies or special circumstances.
What’s Next?
The U.S. is also working on stockpiling more bird flu vaccines for poultry. Meanwhile, Moderna is developing a bird flu vaccine for humans, which is currently in early testing.
Is Bird Flu a Risk to Humans?
According to the CDC, the risk to the general public is still low, as most human cases have been in farm workers exposed to infected animals.
This vaccine approval is a big step in protecting poultry, farmers, and consumers. However, experts will continue monitoring the situation to see how effective it is.