Overview

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, proposed allowing bird flu to spread naturally in poultry farms to identify immune birds.
• Veterinary and public health experts criticized the plan, citing risks of dangerous virus mutations, inhumane animal deaths, and increased infection threats.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture expressed interest in piloting the proposal under controlled conditions, despite widespread scientific opposition.
• Kennedy's claims about natural immunity in poultry and wild birds are disputed by experts, who argue that modern poultry lacks genetic diversity to resist the virus.
• The proposal reflects broader concerns over Kennedy's controversial public health policies, including his history of anti-vaccine positions and cuts to vaccine research.