Health Agencies Oppose Use in Poultry, Citing Mutation Risks and Logistical Challenges.

Health Agencies Oppose Use in Poultry

The use of bird flu vaccines in poultry has become a point of contention, with federal health agencies opposing its implementation. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly voiced his concerns, marking a significant departure from the previous administration's stance.

While the Trump administration considered poultry vaccination as a means to combat the ongoing outbreak, Kennedy, along with the heads of the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Food and Drug Administration, have recommended against it. Their primary concern is that the available vaccines may not provide sterilizing immunity, meaning they might not completely stop infections and spread.

This lack of sterilizing immunity could lead to the creation of "mutant factories," where the virus undergoes worrying genetic changes within vaccinated birds. This, in turn, could increase the likelihood of the virus jumping to humans.

Experts like Daniel Perez, chair in poultry medicine at the University of Georgia, emphasize the importance of strict biosecurity measures alongside vaccination. Without these measures, the risk of genetic mutations in the virus remains high, particularly in large-scale poultry operations.

Perez also warns against the idea of relying on immunity from birds surviving bird flu infections. This approach could create breeding grounds for dangerous mutations and is considered extremely risky.

The Biden administration's decision against poultry vaccination stems from concerns about missed spread of the virus, potential import bans on U.S. poultry products, and logistical challenges in administering the vaccine to massive commercial flocks.

While the current risk of bird flu to the general population remains low, the CDC emphasizes the potential for change due to the virus's ability to mutate quickly. This underscores the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness.