November 8, 2023

US bans French poultry over avian influenza vaccination strategy

In an ongoing effort to combat avian influenza, the United States has banned imports of French poultry, including ducks and their products from Europe, following France's decision to start vaccinating ducks against the disease, Lancaster Farming reported.

This move has raised concerns among US poultry businesses, especially those in Pennsylvania, California, and other states that import birds with specialised genetics from France.

The US has not adopted a vaccination strategy for avian influenza, as the risks and benefits of vaccination are still being weighed. While vaccines can protect birds from disease, prevent severe illness, and reduce egg production losses, they do not prevent infection. The efficacy of avian influenza vaccines remains uncertain, and administering vaccines can be costly. Moreover, they pose challenges in distinguishing between infected and vaccinated birds.

France has been sent a detailed questionnaire by the US about its vaccination programme, and the US plans to receive a response by early 2023. They will also conduct in-person evaluations of France's vaccination efforts. The ban on French poultry impacts several US states and has led to trade restrictions that are a hardship for some American businesses.

Considering the potential impact on the US poultry industry and the country's global market share, avian influenza vaccination remains a complex scientific and political issue. It is worth noting that the US is the world's second-largest poultry exporter, and restrictions on exports could have significant economic and food security consequences.

This is not an isolated case, as the US has also sent inquiries to Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands about their vaccination strategies for avian influenza. While vaccination can be a valuable tool in controlling the disease, countries are facing complex decisions that impact trade, food security, and poultry genetics.

-      Lancaster Farming