The USDA plans to spend $100 million researching bird flu vaccines to mitigate mass slaughter of chickens, blamed for soaring egg prices averaging nearly $6 a dozen. Despite this, producers worry that vaccines could jeopardize significant chicken exports, valued at nearly $4.7 billion. With over 166 million birds slaughtered since 2022, changing the policy to include vaccinations is politically charged, especially with the current administration facing criticism over rising food prices. The debate largely pivots on balancing export interests against domestic poultry needs and public health.
Vaccines could be key to controlling bird flu and reducing chicken killings, but resistance from producers fearing export losses has delayed action against rising egg prices.
A $100 million initiative by the USDA to explore bird flu vaccines seeks to address escalating egg prices stemming from the widespread slaughter of infected flocks.
The continued slaughter of millions of birds due to bird flu contributes directly to rising egg prices, affecting consumers and causing political embarrassment amid high costs.
Industry resistance and concerns over meat exports hinder the adoption of vaccines, complicating the government's response to a growing bird flu crisis and its economic implications.
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