Vaccinating Flocks Could Ease Egg Prices But Hurt Exports

The Trump administration is shifting its approach to tackling a bird flu outbreak that has impacted dairy herds, chickens, and even humans—contributing to soaring egg prices.

The administration is considering biosecurity measures and vaccine-based solutions.

A potential solution could involve vaccinating poultry, but such a move might make American poultry less desirable for export, Barron's Daily reported.

Egg prices have surged 53% over the past year as the bird flu outbreak has forced farmers to cull millions of chickens due to infections or exposure. The layer flock that supplies America’s eggs is now at its lowest level in at least a decade, according to Stephens analyst Pooran Sharma.

Rather than relying solely on mass culling, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CBS that the administration is considering biosecurity measures and vaccine-based solutions.

Further details are expected this week.

However, a poultry vaccine may not be a perfect fix. Animal health company Zoetis recently received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for an avian flu vaccine targeting the H5N2 subtype—not the current circulating strain, H5N1.

Experts warn that rapid virus mutations could reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness.

Zoetis stated that the decision to vaccinate commercial flocks ultimately rests with regulators and the poultry industry.

Vaccinating millions of chickens nationwide presents logistical and financial challenges, with uncertainty over whether the government or farmers would cover the cost. Additionally, vaccinated birds can still carry the virus without symptoms, complicating efforts to track and prevent outbreaks.

Lawmakers in the Congressional and Senate Chicken Caucuses have expressed concerns that widespread vaccination could “significantly harm” domestic poultry farmers.

A potential consequence is the loss of over $10 billion annually in poultry exports, as some countries may impose trade restrictions on vaccinated U.S. poultry products.