The current H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is now found in wild birds in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa and has caused record losses of domestic poultry in Europe and North America. “What makes this one different than the others in the past is that it’s worldwide now. It’s in the flyways around the world and there are very few countries that have not been affected,” John R. Clifford, veterinary trade policy advisor, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), explained. At the 2023 Chicken Marketing Summit, Dr. Clifford will explain how the current distribution of HPAI in wild birds makes this outbreak different from others and will provide updates on how the U.S. and other countries are preparing to balance methods for stamping out the virus in commercial operations while keeping export markets open.
“The worst case scenario would be if this continues throughout many years.”
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Vaccinating against HPAI
The global spread of HPAI has some countries, primarily in Europe, shifting viewpoints on vaccinating commercial poultry against HPAI. Vaccination is already in use in other countries, including Mexico, China, Egypt and Vietnam.
However, the U.S. is not yet ready to vaccinate against HPAI. “For one thing, we don’t have an approved vaccine available yet that’s a good match to the virus,” said Clifford. “In reality, biosecurity is the best weapon we have against this.”
Attend the 2023 Chicken Marketing Summit
The 2023 Chicken Marketing Summit will be held at Hotel Effie Sandestin in Miramar Beach, Florida on Monday, July 31 – Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Serving a unique cross section of the chicken supply chain, Chicken Marketing Summit explores issues and trends in food marketing and consumer chicken consumption patterns and purchasing behavior. Registration is now open with early savings available.
Submit your free nomination for Chicken Marketer of the Year.
For more information and to attend, visit here.
