Negotiations must allow for the use of an avian flu vaccine, Senators wrote to cabinet members
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
U.S. senators want members of President Biden’s administration to include an important provision in future ag trade deals.
Republican South Dakota Senators John Thune and M. Michael Rounds are asking Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Trade Representative Katherine Tai to ensure trade deals allow for U.S. exports of poultry that have received an avian flu vaccine.
In South Dakota, avian flu has affected more than 5.3 million birds.
The USDA started conducting avian flu vaccine trials in 2023.
At the time, the ag department estimated it could take up to two years before a vaccine is available in commercial quantities.
Senators want assurances now, so trade isn’t affected once a vaccine is available, and poultry receive it.
“We recognize that without updated trade agreements, the use of HPAI vaccination can put our poultry and egg industry at a disadvantage, so now is the time to begin the tedious work of talking with our trading partners to solidify agreements that reflect the new reality,” the senators wrote in a Jan. 18 letter. “While we recognize trade considerations will impact any potential vaccine roll out, it is important for USDA to consider the needs of all producers and prioritize animal health.”
Multiple countries already implement avian flu vaccination.
Mexican officials authorized a bird flu vaccine rollout program in 2023. China started vaccinating birds in 2004, and Egypt has done so since 2006, Reuters reported.
France began a vaccination program in the fall of 2023.
This prompted some trading partners, like Canada, Japan and the U.S., to suspend poultry imports.
“France’s decision to vaccinate presents a risk of introducing HPAI into the United States,” the USDA said on Sept. 29, 2023.