Senators Ask USDA, USTR to Get Approval From Foreign Countries for Bird Flu Vaccine

South Dakota's two senators, Republicans Mike Rounds and John Thune, asked the USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to begin talking to countries that are major poultry importers to make sure they will not put up trade barriers to vaccinated poultry, or to eggs laid by chickens vaccinated with a new avian flu vaccine.

"We recognize that without updated trade agreements, the use of [highly pathogenic avian influenza] vaccination can put our poultry and egg industry at a disadvantage, so now is the time to begin the tedious work of talking with our trading partners to solidify agreements that reflect the new reality," they said in a letter. "While we recognize trade considerations will impact any potential vaccine roll out, it is important for USDA to consider the needs of all producers and prioritize animal health."