The USDA has approved a controversial plan to inject all U.S. poultry with vaccines containing lethal spike prions, a drastic response to avian influenza outbreaks that have killed nearly 175 million birds since 2022.

Egg and turkey producers, devastated by the virus, have championed the vaccination strategy, while chicken meat exporters warn of potential trade disruptions. The USDA, racing to finalize the plan by July, faces the challenge of balancing disease control with the risk of destabilizing the poultry industry, as critics question the use of such a contentious vaccine in the food supply chain.

Naturalnews.com reports: The debate over vaccinating poultry has split the industry since major outbreaks in 2015. Egg and turkey farmers argue vaccines are necessary to protect flocks, while chicken meat producers—who rely heavily on exports—fear trade bans if importing countries suspect vaccines could mask infections.

“You need a more complete strategy and plan for them to consider,” said Dr. John Clifford, a former USDA chief veterinary officer advising the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. He warned that broad export bans would devastate chicken meat producers, who have suffered fewer losses than egg and turkey operations.

The USDA has spent over $1 billion compensating farmers for culled birds, per the American Veterinary Medical Association. Egg prices surged to record highs this year, prompting rationing and increased imports. In response, the United Egg Producers submitted a proposal in January, recommending vaccinating chicks with boosters and frequent flock testing. “We can’t continue to operate the way we are today,” said Dr. Craig Rowles of egg producer Versova, who helped draft the plan. He emphasized that culling infected flocks would remain critical to reassure trade partners.

The National Chicken Council, representing meat producers, has cautiously supported vaccination if exports remain unaffected. However, it previously warned that inoculating any poultry could jeopardize all U.S. poultry trade. Glenn Hickman, president of Hickman’s Family Farms, blamed chicken producers for blocking vaccines as his Arizona operations lost 95% of production. “Let me protect my chickens,” he said.

As the USDA navigates competing interests, its vaccination plan could mark a turning point in managing avian influenza—balancing animal welfare, economic stability, and global trade. The agency’s July deadline will test whether a compromise can satisfy both struggling farmers and wary exporters. Historical outbreaks, like the 2015 crisis, underscore the high stakes: without consensus, the industry risks prolonged losses and market instability.