The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association is calling for a vaccination strategy to help protect poultry flocks as the industry continues to battle highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Executive Director Ashley Kohls says vaccines for the virus exist, but none are currently authorized for use in U.S. poultry. Kohls says association members met with lawmakers and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials in Washington, D.C., earlier this fall to discuss potential vaccination options.
She says the industry needs to consider how a vaccination strategy could work if vaccines are approved for use.
“Let’s develop at least a vaccine strategy of if we’re allowed to utilize high-path avian influenza vaccine, what does that look like? Where do we start?” Kohls said.
Countries including China, Mexico and France have used avian influenza vaccination programs in poultry. However, adopting a similar approach in the United States could lead to trade restrictions and threaten poultry exports.
