Bird Flu Updates: Moderna's contract with the U.S. government for bird flu vaccine is under scrutiny (March 1st, 2025)

Hi 👋 It’s the start of a new month, looking back, bird flu affected poultry remains high at above 12M+ culled/month totaling 60M for the past quarter！

One of the biggest consequences? Egg prices have skyrocketed due to tight supply, putting additional strain on consumers.

Eggs, however, remain a nutritional powerhouse. I recently read an insightful post from Try This that tackled the controversy around eggs and blood clots. The claim stems from a 2017 Cleveland Clinic study that linked choline supplements (not eggs) to increased TMAO, a metabolite associated with blood clotting. Despite follow-up research in 2021 debunking the direct link to eggs, the media ran with misleading headlines.

With egg prices on the rise, it’s crucial to cut through the noise and understand the facts. Try This does a fantastic job breaking down the science, and I recommend checking it out to make well-informed decisions about your health.

Let’s dive into today’s updates.

Now, let’s dive into today’s updates.

In This Update

• Latest Developments

• Public Health Updates

• Scientific Research & Developments

• Economic Impacts

• Wildlife & Pet Safety

• Looking Ahead

Latest Developments

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $1 billion investment plan to help control the bird flu outbreak and reduce soaring egg prices. The plan includes measures to boost egg imports and provide financial relief to impacted producers. [Source]

• Dozens of dead birds, including ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes, have been found on beaches in New York, Maine, and other states, with avian flu suspected as the cause. Officials are urging caution and have initiated cleanup efforts. [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source]

• The outbreak has significantly impacted poultry farmers, with many struggling to keep up with record-high egg demand amid the threat of infection. Some are employing innovative approaches, such as using decoy birds to monitor for the virus. [Source] [Source] 

• The first case of bird flu in a domestic cat has been confirmed in New Jersey, resulting in the euthanasia of the infected feline. This raises concerns about potential transmission to humans and other mammals. [Source] 

• The St. Louis Zoo has closed two exhibits after a dead duck tested positive for avian influenza. [Source]

• Backyard bird feeders and avian flu: people who have bird feeders and birdbaths should regularly clean them to help prevent diseases.[Source] 

Public Health Updates

• The virus is primarily spreading through contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, but the recent feline case highlights the potential for cross-species transmission. [Source] [Source]

• Public health agencies have issued guidance on protecting oneself and pets from avian influenza, including recommendations for backyard bird feeders and precautions for pet owners. [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source] 

Scientific Research & Developments

• Moderna's contract with the U.S. government for an H5N1 bird flu vaccine is under scrutiny, with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) considering rescinding it due to concerns over the company's leadership. [Source] [Source] 

• Two animal health organizations, Zoetis and the University of Georgia, are collaborating to commercialize an H5N1 vaccine for dairy cattle. [Source] 

• A study in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that recent febrile illness clusters were likely caused by malaria and other factors, rather than a new pathogen. [Source] 

• Researchers at the University of Wisconsin discussed the potential risk of avian influenza viruses to humans based on laboratory studies, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. [Source] 

Economic Impacts

• The outbreak has severely impacted the poultry industry, leading to significant losses and supply chain disruptions. Egg prices have skyrocketed, prompting the USDA's intervention to boost imports and provide relief to producers. [Source] [Source]

• The ongoing avian influenza outbreak has severely impacted the poultry industry, leading to supply shortages and skyrocketing egg prices. Major egg producers like Rose Acre Farms are advocating for the use of vaccines to protect flocks. [Source] [Source] [Source]

• In addition to the direct losses of poultry flocks, the outbreak has taken a toll on farmers and rural communities, with some areas facing economic hardship. Support services are being provided to assist affected communities. [Source]

Wildlife & Pet Safety

• The virus has had a devastating effect on various wild bird species, including waterfowl and migratory birds, disrupting ecosystems and raising conservation concerns. [Source] [Source]

• Wildlife rehabilitation centers in New York and other states are reporting an influx of sick and dead wild birds, straining their resources. [Source] 

• Authorities are advising pet owners to take precautions, such as avoiding contact with wild birds and their environments, and ensuring pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Cases of transmission to domestic pets, while rare, have been reported. [Source] [Source]

Looking Ahead

• Ongoing studies are focused on understanding the virus's potential for human adaptation, as well as developing effective vaccines and treatments for both humans and animals.

• Experts predict that the virus will continue to spread and potentially mutate, necessitating continued vigilance and control efforts. Hotspots and vulnerable populations, such as backyard poultry owners and wildlife rehabilitators, will require particular attention.

Stay informed and stay safe ❤️ 

Jennifer