Poultry Industry and Salmonella Regulation

The Agriculture Department has decided not to require poultry companies to limit salmonella bacteria in their products, halting a Biden Administration effort. The proposed rule aimed to reduce salmonella infections from chicken and turkey, but was withdrawn due to industry concerns about legal soundness, costs, and food waste. Food safety advocates criticize the move, saying it puts public health at risk.

Bird Flu Management Strategies

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested letting bird flu spread in poultry flocks unchecked, risking increased chances of the virus changing to spread easily among humans. Scientists oppose this strategy as risky and unlikely to yield breakthroughs in finding therapeutics or genetic resistance.

Bird Flu Vaccinations in Finland

Finland becomes the first country to start bird flu vaccinations for humans, offering preemptive vaccines to workers at risk of avian influenza. The vaccines are part of a joint EU procurement and are set to be rolled out as early as next week.

Acquisition of H5N1 Bird Flu Vaccines by U.S. and Europe

Poultry farmers in the U.S. and Europe are taking steps to acquire or manufacture H5N1 bird flu vaccines to protect workers from the highly pathogenic avian influenza that is on the rise. The virus has spread to dairy cattle and poses a potential risk of mutation to spread easily in humans.

Avian Flu Outbreak in Texas Cattle and Poultry

Migratory waterfowl are blamed for avian flu outbreaks in Texas cows and poultry, leading to culling of millions of birds. The virus has also affected dairy herds in multiple states, possibly transmitted by wild birds. The risk to humans is low.