CEO Perspective: Jan Henriksen, Aviagen – In Support of Science-Based Solutions Over Poultry Vaccination
Aviagen® is committed to advancing the poultry industry through science-based research and practices that prioritize both the health of our flocks and the safety of the food supply.
With recent discussions surrounding the potential for poultry vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), I want to take this opportunity to share our perspective on the matter, especially in light of two key articles that have addressed this issue in recent days.
As highlighted in the MeatingPlace online publication, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initially considered vaccination as part of its strategy to combat the spread of H5N1. However, Secretary Brooke Rollins recently reversed this position, clearly stating that mandatory poultry vaccination is not an option now or in the future. In our view, this is a step in the right direction. The potential for vaccination in poultry has been a highly debated topic, with concerns ranging from trade restrictions to the lack of sterilizing immunity that could allow for virus mutations.
We fully agree with the stance that vaccination is not the solution to the challenges posed by HPAI. Our support for biosecurity measures, such as enhanced ventilation, barn security, cleaning and disinfecting, restricted access to farms, and selective breeding to strengthen poultry immune systems, is rooted in scientific evidence and proven strategies. By focusing on biosecurity and breeding for resilience, we can create long-term solutions that are more sustainable and effective than a vaccine could ever be.
As mentioned in a second article, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “warns of bird flu vaccination in poultry.” Both the previous administration and federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have consistently opposed poultry vaccination due to concerns about the potential for virus mutations and the lack of full immunity. These concerns are not unfounded, and we believe that introducing vaccination without fully understanding its long-term consequences could inadvertently exacerbate the problem, potentially creating risks to both poultry and human health.
It is worth noting, as Tom Super, Senior VP of Communications at the National Chicken Council points out, “only about 8% of the birds affected by HPAI since 2022 have been broilers” which indicates that “broiler farmers have been doing a pretty good job with biosecurity during the outbreak.”
Aviagen strongly advocates for a science-driven approach to poultry health and disease management. This includes emphasizing biosecurity and selective breeding, which are far more effective and responsible strategies for managing HPAI outbreaks. By continuing to invest in these methods, we ensure that we are building a more resilient poultry industry, capable of meeting the demands of consumers and maintaining global trade relationships without introducing new risks.
While we recognize the significant challenges posed by HPAI, we are confident that through collaboration, research, and adherence to science-based principles, we can overcome these obstacles without compromising the integrity of our industry or the health of our flocks. Our focus will remain on the sustainable, long-term solutions that are proven to be effective.
For more detailed perspectives on this ongoing issue, I encourage you to explore the articles from MeatingPlace magazine that delve deeper into the concerns surrounding poultry vaccination and the ongoing efforts to combat HPAI.
Jan Henriksen
CEO, Aviagen
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