USDA Issues Conditional License for Bird Flu Vaccine for Chickens

Zoetis' H5N2 avian influenza vaccine aims to combat a virus that has impacted over 150 million birds in the U.S. since 2022.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture granted a conditional license for Zoetis' bird flu vaccine targeting the H5N2 subtype of avian influenza in chickens.
Over 150 million birds in the U.S. have been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza since early 2022, according to USDA data.
The vaccine is not yet commercially available, with decisions on its use resting with national regulators and the poultry industry.
Experts highlight the vaccine's potential to reduce reliance on culling infected flocks, though concerns remain about its mismatch to the current strain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 68 human cases of bird flu in the U.S., while emphasizing low risk to the general public.