Trump administration plans new bird flu strategy amidst rising egg prices

Amid rising egg prices and increasing concerns over bird flu in the United States, the Trump administration is set to announce a new strategy aimed at combating the outbreaks. The initiative will focus on implementing stricter biosecurity measures and promoting vaccination among poultry, rather than resorting to the current practice of culling infected birds. This shift in approach comes as the average price of a dozen Grade A eggs reached $4.95 in January 2025, and is projected to increase by another 20% throughout the year, impacting consumers and the poultry industry significantly. This new strategy is positioned as more effective than past methods, particularly because the traditional practice of killing all chickens on an infected farm has proven excessive. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, emphasized the need for a smarter perimeter around poultry farms to prevent disease spread, especially since wild birds like ducks and geese are primary carriers of the virus. The administration aims to utilize vaccines and better medications to reduce the rate at which birds are lost to the disease, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins indicating forthcoming details soon. Despite the optimism surrounding the new strategy, challenges remain in executing vaccination protocols. Current vaccines require injections, creating logistical hurdles for mass administration. Moreover, strict biosecurity measures must be systematically implemented to limit cross-contamination effectively. Experts like Dr. Carol Cardona have pointed out that successful vaccination could help manage the outbreaks, provided that effective barriers to disease transmission are established between farms. Additionally, the potential economic impact cannot be overlooked. The Congressional Chicken Caucus expressed concerns that alterations to policy could result in significant financial burdens for the broiler industry, which provides substantial economic activity within the country. The USDA data reveals stark figures, noting that approximately 77.5% of nearly 159 million commercial birds lost to avian influenza since February 2022 were layers, primarily affecting the egg industry. Thus, navigating the intricacies of biosecurity and vaccination adoption is crucial as the administration works to stabilize the poultry sector and ensure the availability of this vital food resource.