United States poultry flocks remain unvaccinated against H5 influenza—but why?

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2026 Open access

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Authors: Michelle Kromm, Catherine Alexander, Peter J. Bonney, Cesar A. Corzo, Marie Rene Culhane, Timothy Goldsmith, David A. Halvorson, Mickey Leonard, Rosemary A. Marusak, Kaitlyn St. Charles, Amos Ssematimba, Erin L. Cortus
+1 more Carol J. Cardona
DOI: 10.2460/javma.25.12.0859
Cited by: 1
References: 16

Abstract

Vaccination is commonly used to minimize disease impacts on birds and promote sustainable poultry production. Vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) differs because HPAI is classified as a foreign animal disease in the US and disease control falls under federal jurisdiction. Vaccination for HPAI could negatively affect the nation's ability to export poultry and poultry products, representing the largest barrier to implementation. However, the continued burden of global HPAI cases requires a reevaluation of the cost of ongoing outbreaks and the need for new mitigation strategies, including HPAI vaccine use.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Influenza Virus Research Studies Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology Respiratory viral infections research

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publisher
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Volume
264
Issue
9
Pages
1240–1242
Publication date
17 April 2026
Language
EN