- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues its "stamping out" approach, involving the mass culling of infected and exposed poultry flocks, despite criticism. This strategy in place since 2022 has led to the destruction of over 166 million birds but has failed to curb the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
- The outbreak has devastated the U.S. poultry industry, particularly the egg sector, driving egg prices to a record $8.05 per dozen in February 2024. Farmers face severe financial strain as indemnity payments for culled birds do not cover their losses, pushing many to the brink of collapse.
- Experts, including vaccine researcher Dr. Robert Malone, argue that the USDA's reliance on mass culling is outdated and ineffective. Critics advocate for alternative strategies, such as promoting natural immunity through selective breeding or using heritage breeds with greater disease resilience.
- While countries like China and France have implemented poultry vaccination programs, the U.S. hesitates due to potential trade disruptions. The U.S. exported over $5 billion in poultry products in 2023 and vaccination could lead to bans on these exports.
- The USDA defends its strategy as necessary for biosecurity and trade compliance but faces mounting pressure to adapt. Critics emphasize the need for innovative solutions as the current approach is economically damaging and unsustainable, with no end to the crisis in sight.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is standing firm on its strategy to combat the ongoing bird flu crisis despite mounting criticism from industry experts, policymakers and the American public.
Since 2022, the USDA's "stamping out" approach – which involves the mass culling of infected and exposed poultry flocks – has led to the destruction of at least 166 million birds. This policy, now in its fourth year, has failed to curb the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Worse, it has driven egg prices to historic highs and placed immense financial strain on farmers and consumers alike.
The current outbreak, which began in February 2022, has devastated the U.S. poultry industry – particularly the egg sector. Egg prices soared to a record $8.05 per dozen in February 2024, a direct consequence of supply shortages caused by the mass culling of hens.
The USDA's response, rooted in a 2017 avian flu response plan, has drawn sharp criticism for its reliance on an outdated and seemingly ineffective strategy. Critics argue that the policy not only fails to address the root causes of the outbreak, but also exacerbates economic hardships for American families and farmers.
The USDA's approach hinges on the belief that destroying infected flocks will prevent the virus from spreading. However, data suggests that this strategy has done little to stop the disease. Despite the culling of millions of birds, infection rates remain stubbornly high.
Experts like Dr. Robert Malone, a prominent vaccine researcher and critic of the USDA’s methods, have called the policy “outdated and counterproductive.” Malone argues that the mass culling of birds is a waste of resources. The inventor of mRNA vaccine technology instead proposes the exploration of alternative strategies, such as natural immunity and selective breeding.
The economic impact of culling and the case for alternatives
The economic toll of the USDA's strategy has been severe. Farmers are compensated for culled birds through indemnity payments, but industry leaders like Tony Wesner, CEO of Rose Acre Farms, argue that these payments fall far short of covering their losses.
"Even with updated indemnity formulas, payments will not come close to making producers whole," Wesner testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture in February 2024. The financial strain has pushed many farms to the brink of collapse, further destabilizing the poultry industry.
Some experts advocate for a shift away from mass culling toward strategies that promote natural immunity. Malone, for instance, suggests allowing the disease to run its course within poultry houses and then breeding surviving birds that demonstrate resistance to the virus. Others point to heritage breeds, which have shown greater resilience to avian influenza, as a potential solution.
However, the USDA has dismissed these alternatives, citing a lack of evidence that they would effectively prevent outbreaks. A senior USDA official stated that previous attempts to isolate healthy birds have all resulted in infection and death.
The department maintains that biosecurity measures – such as improved sanitation and controlled access to farms –are the most critical tools for disease control. To that end, the USDA has allocated $500 million to enhance biosecurity across poultry farms.
Another potential solution is vaccination. Countries like China and France have implemented poultry vaccination programs to combat bird flu, but the U.S. has been hesitant to follow suit. (Related: USDA Secretary Rollins: Bird flu shots for chickens "off the table.")
Vaccinating birds could complicate international trade, as many countries impose bans on poultry products from nations that vaccinate their flocks. The U.S. exported over $5 billion in poultry products in 2023 and any disruption to this market could have devastating economic consequences. USDA officials have emphasized the need for further research to address concerns about vaccine efficacy and trade implications.
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11 hours ago
They are succeeding in culling all birds who are naturally immune to this bird flu so they cannot be used to produce new flocks which will be immune to it.