Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

USDA conducts avian influenza vaccine trials

By Jean-Paul MacDonald, Farms.com

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it is conducting trials for a new avian influenza vaccine. The vaccine is designed to prevent the spread of avian flu, a highly contagious disease that can have devastating impacts on the poultry industry.

Avian flu outbreaks can cause significant economic losses for poultry producers, as infected birds must be culled in order to prevent the spread of the disease. The development of a new vaccine could help to prevent outbreaks from occurring in the first place, potentially saving millions of dollars in losses for the industry.

According to USDA officials, the new vaccine is being developed using a novel approach that targets a specific part of the avian flu virus. The vaccine is designed to be highly effective and to provide long-lasting protection against the disease.

The trials are being conducted in partnership with several poultry producers across the country. If successful, the vaccine could be made available to producers in the near future, providing a valuable tool in the fight against avian flu and helping to protect the health and wellbeing of both poultry and humans.

The development of a new avian influenza vaccine represents an important step forward in protecting the poultry industry and preventing the spread of a potentially devastating disease. With continued research and development, we can hope to see even more effective and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the agriculture industry.


Trending Video

Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.