As A Result Of Record Outbreaks, The U.S. Has Begun Testing Bird Flu Vaccines In Poultry

Several potential vaccines for bird flu are being tested by the U.S. government, officials said on Friday. This comes after over 58 million chickens, turkeys and other poultry have died in the nation's worst bird flu outbreak in history.

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There is a possibility that vaccines could be used in order to protect poultry from the lethal virus. This trial was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. It is the first step in a long and drawn-out process toward this goal. It is unlikely that the government will ultimately approve the use of these products.

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A highly pathogenic avian influenza disease, also known as bird flu, has killed thousands of millions of birds around the world, thus generating a great deal of interest in bird flu vaccines. Wild birds primarily distribute the disease to poultry, so vaccines could become available soon.

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U.S. researchers are expecting to release the first results from a study with a single dose of a vaccine in May, and their findings from two-dose vaccine regimen studies are expected to be released by June, according to the USDA.

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USDA said that if the trials prove successful and that its decision to pursue further development leads to the development of a vaccine that matches the current virus coming to market within 18 to 24 months, it will take more time to develop a commercial vaccine that matches the current virus.

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There have long been concerns that vaccinations may mask the spread of bird flu and adversely affect exports to countries that have banned vaccines on the grounds that infected birds may slip through and cause problems for poultry exports to countries that have banned vaccinated poultry on behalf of fear of the virus.

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A USDA statement on Friday stated that the USDA's 'current strategic approach to stamping out and eliminating HPAI remains the most effective strategy since it's working' and that it will continue to do so as well.

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In an attempt to be ready for the autumn launch of a vaccination program in ducks if final trial results prove positive, the French government said last week it had pre-ordered 80 million doses of vaccines, making it the first member of the European Union to commence such a program.