While the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) came to a halt this summer, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is preparing for the potential recurrence in the fall. To date, the virus has affected more than 48 million birds at over 200 poultry facilities earlier this year.
As part of these preparations, APHIS and its state and industry partners are examining the potential use of vaccine to help prevent illness in birds stop the spread of the disease. This week, APHIS announced two actions related to vaccine use: the issuance of a request for proposals for vaccine doses to equip the National Veterinary Stockpile, and notification that APHIS will publish an environmental assessment evaluating the potential environmental impacts of using vaccine in the event of an HPAI outbreak.