In a recent interview Stephen Vaden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture acknowledged the increasing incidence rate of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) especially affecting turkey and egg production.  It is apparent that USDA is justifiably promoting biosecurity as an essential but sole component of prevention through a program of farm audits.  Producers are encouraged to use the resources of USDA to identify deficiencies in either structural or operational biosecurity and to effect improvements. 

In his interview Vaden stated that “vaccination isn’t available yet.” This is completely wrong and an institutional USDA self-delusion.  Major EU biopharmaceutical companies offer a range of vaccines of proven efficacy ranging from conventional inactivated oil emulsion preparations to advanced live, modified vector vaccines suitable for mass administration by in ovo injection

Vaden points to the “Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge” funding 58 projects to combat avian influenza. He further indicated that “vaccine development and rollout will take time”.  Again, this is a manifestation of USDA policy of temporizing or opposing immunization as an additional modality in the face of a prolonged U.S. epornitic.

Effectively the USDA continues to make appropriate noises about vaccination but appears to be delaying a decision under duress that deploying vaccines against HPAI would impact export of broiler leg quarters. The World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) has approved vaccination as an adjunct to control and prevent the ongoing HPAI pandemic. Notwithstanding  the official position of the Agency, the USDA remains recalcitrant to consider a change in policy to allow controlled, tactical immunization of egg production and turkey flocks in high-risk areas accompanied by high levels of biosecurity and with appropriate surveillance.

USDA should accept reality in that:-

• HPAI is endemic in the migratory waterfowl and marine populations of the world,
• The infection will simply not ‘go away’
• Ongoing HPAI represents a cost to consumers, the public sector and producers far exceeding the value of the potential loss of export revenue from leg quarters
• HPAI is transmitted inter alia by the airborne route effectively invalidating even the strictest biosecurity measures
• Many importing nations accept the WOAH principles of controlled vaccination with surveillance, regionalization and compartmentalization
• H5 HPAI is potentially zoonotic

Dr. Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti, Medical Director of the Respiratory Infections Center  at the Pasteur Institute recently expressed her concern over the possible emergence of H5N1 avian influenza as a pandemic virus.  The Pasteur Institute was at the forefront of research on the virology and epidemiology of COVID-19 and is an established World Health Organization reference center for influenza.

It is emphasized that at this time H5N1 infection is mainly confined to wild bird and commercial poultry populations with spillover to marine and some terrestrial mammals.  There is no evidence of widespread infection of humans and most importantly no record of human-to-human transmission.  This property of the virus would be a prerequisite for emergence of an epidemic or pandemic strain.  Despite extensive exposure of populations in close contact with poultry, there have been less than 1,000 confirmed outbreaks of H5N1 and other avian strains among humans over the past 20 years.  Most cases occurred in Asia although with a high fatality rate especially among children and the elderly with intercurrent predisposing conditions.   

Dr. Rameix-Welti noted that a “bird flu pandemic would probably be quite severe potentially even more disruptive than the pandemic (COVID-19) we experienced.”  She noted that most world populations have antibodies to H1 and H3 seasonal influenza but lack protection against H5.  Although there is concern over a potential H5 pandemic, officials at the World Organization for Animal Health consider the risk low but stress the need for preparation.  This sentiment is endorsed by Dr. Rameix-Welti who pointed to an inventory of antivirals and extensive experience in containment gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implicit in prevention of an outbreak is the need to suppress avian influenza in large commercial flocks.  Intense biosecurity has not materially reduced the incidence of outbreaks but in the U.S. small commercial egg units in the Midwest are impacted in addition to turkey growing farms and in backyard flocks across all four migratory flyways.

Given the persistence of seasonal outbreaks, the susceptibility of commercial poultry, concentration in limited geographic areas there is ample opportunity for mutations to occur among circulating H5N1viruses. Both point mutations and recombinant events could result in an ability to infect humans and even to establish contagion.  Vaccination of at-risk farms and species would reduce the probability of emergence of a zoonotic strain. 

Preventive vaccination as employed in the E.U., Mexico and other nations in combination with biosecurity is currently opposed by a segment of the industry reliant on exports.  Over the intermediate future, the possible loss of exports should be balanced against the consequences of the low probability of emergence of a zoonotic avian influenza strain although with a catastrophic outcome.  Even over the short term, endemic avian influenza carries a high cost to the public and private sectors and above all as a result of an escalation in shelf prices of eggs and turkey products. This financial burden far outweighs the value of exported broiler leg quarters.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Dr. Seth Meyer, Chief Economist, since 2021 will leave the Agency.  He will assume the position of Director of the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri, effective January 1, 2026.

His departure will be a loss to the USDA, adding to the loss of research staff and experienced personnel who left the agency after the ill-advised transfer of the Economic Research Service from Washington to Kansas City during the first administration of President Trump. This was followed by the unprecedented layoff of government personnel during the first few months of 2025.

Dr. Meyer was in large measure responsible for compilation and distribution of the monthly World Agriculture Support and Demand Estimates Report a respected and widely used periodical.

It is considered significant that contrary to silence on the recent departures of senior administrators, Brooke Rollins, Secretary of the USDA expressed gratitude for the contributions made by Dr. Meyer and his lasting impact on the Department and U.S. agriculture.

EGG-NEWS along with the poultry industry acknowledges his achievements over an extensive career and anticipates further advances in research, service and teaching in his new position at the University of Missouri.

yHeart a small-scale manufacturer of infant formula, in a market dominated by a few majors, has recalled all products as a result of contamination with spores of Clostridium botulinum. Since August, 31^st 35 cases have been confirmed in infants with at least 70 under investigation.  Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. The diagnosis is based on clinical observations and is followed by effective available treatment.

Similarities with this case and the major 2022 recall from the Abbott, Sturgis, MI. facility are striking.  At issue is the failure of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to effectively monitor production plants and to enforce either corrective action or closure.  The most recent investigation disclosed three isolations of Clostridium spores from 36 unopened containers suggesting a high level of contamination in the Allerton, IA. facility.  Disclosures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act confirmed an unsatisfactory situation with regard to the plant dating back to 2022.  Deficiencies documented in official warning letters included the presence of pests, defective structures including ceilings and floors, failure to maintain an appropriate pathogen surveillance program, incorporation of untested ingredients, previous isolations of Cronobacter and an observation that “the Byheart plant was not designed to facilitate maintenance and sanitary operations”.  It is significant that the company received approximately 2,000 complaints relating mainly to organoleptic quality but also some health-related complaints including nine characterized by the FDA as “sensitive/serious”.

It appears that FDA has not learned anything from the Abbott episode and that the Agency has obvious deficiencies in their oversight of plants manufacturing food products and pharmaceuticals.  Regrettably the Agency has been politicized and there is little hope for practical improvement given the exodus of experienced managers, a deliberate reduction in staff, resignations and retirements all prompted by current policies of the Department of Health and Human Services. The appointment of incompetent or unqualified management based on ideology and conformity with non-scientific principles as expressed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Secretary of the Department suggest future health problems related to failure of the FDA to fulfil the missions detailed and funded by Congress.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been entered into between Ceva Wildlife Research Fund, Ceva Animal Health and National Parks Board of Singapore and Mandai Wildlife Group.  It is intended to vaccinate endangered species against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) given the worldwide prevalence of avian influenza and the vulnerability of the Mandai sanctuary.  The pilot program will include immunization of the most vulnerable species including the white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus), the marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris) and other raptors.  The pilot project will provide details on the immunologic response of recipient birds and will also assist duration of immunity.

The program essentially follows the emergency vaccination of the highly endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) in 2023 preserving this species highly susceptible to avian influenza as a result of consuming carcasses of dead birds.

The Ceva Wildlife Research Fund will spearhead the practical aspects of the program using CEVA vaccines with the Mandai wildlife Group monitoring the health of birds.

Marc Prikazsky chairman and CEO of CEVA Animal Health and also president of CEVA Wildlife Research Fund stated, “This collaboration truly reflects the essence of the One Health approach – bringing together scientific innovation, veterinary knowledge and a commitment to wildlife conservation.

The joint scientific and monitoring committee with representatives of the participants will ensure release of information and publication of data that will benefit poultry health professionals.

In 2022 Sonate Corp. dba Vegadelphia Foods filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Beyond Meat Inc. and the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts.  The plaintiffs complained that the Beyond Meat slogan, Great taste, Plant-based was too similar to the registered trademark of Sonate, Where great taste is Plant-based.  Sonate claimed that the infringement interfered with potential joint ventures and impacted company growth. 

The lawsuit was transferred to the jurisdiction of Massachusetts in 2023 with the most recent trial favoring the plaintiff.  The judgement included $24 million in actual damages plus $15 million in profits. Given the perilous financial state of Beyond Meat it is questioned whether Sonate will recover damages.

For Q3 2025 the Company announced a net loss of $110.7 million, (including a charge of $77.4 million) on revenue of $70.2 million. With a negative EPS of ($1.44). For the corresponding Q3 2024bthe Company lost $26.6 million on revenue of $81.0 million with an EPS of ($0.41). Sales declined 13.3 percent and gross margin fell from 17.6 to 13.3 percent in comparing Q3 for the consecutive years.

On a 12-month trailing basis Beyond Meat has attained a negative operating margin of 47 percent and a negative profit margin of 81 percent.  Over 12 months BYND has ranged from $0.50 to $7.60 with a 50-day moving average of $1.68. Before the close on December 2^nd BYND was down over 2 percent to $1.31. Marked volatility is attributed to a succession of ‘short squeezes’ with 20.7 percent of the float short in mid-November.

Following the reluctance of supermarket operators to establish stores in urban areas of Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens established a program to locate the Azalea Fresh Market in an available 20,000-square-foot location.  The endeavor required investment of public funds totaling $8 million in cash, grants and loans.  The enterprise is projected to become profitable within three years.  Based on the initial success of the store a second location will be developed for the convenience of residents in ‘supermarket deserts’.  Azalea Fresh Market offers fruit, vegetables and dairy products in addition to essentials but lacks the frills of a modern suburban supermarket.

NY Mayor-elect Zohran Mandani proposed establishing city-supported grocery stores as part of his successful campaign although the concept was not expanded to a specific program or plan of action.

Although many cities have proposed and implemented subsidized markets under civic ownership, theft and other crimes have impacted community support and few have attained profitability or even survived.  Various models have been attempted including support by cities in the form of loans and operation free of rent and taxes.  Established supermarket chains have   developed stores in underserved inter-city areas of metropolitan areas including Chicago without success leading to closure.

To be viable, public-supported grocery stores and supermarkets require professional management but above all community support to establish a crime-free environment.

A recent epidemiologic study demonstrated that vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) can be infected with H5N1 avian influenza virus.  The study conducted in Peru differentiated between two locations of bats reflecting coastal and inland communities.  Bats preying on marine mammals and birds demonstrated antibodies to the virus only after the epidemic among marine mammals. There was little evidence of sustained transmission among bats in the implicated colony with only eight percent showing seroconversion.  Inland bats that prey on livestock did not show antibodies to H5N1.   

Bat species including flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) acquired H5N1 in Bangladesh during 2023. In this report the frugivorous bats were in all probability infected by cohabitation with affected crows.

In laboratory investigations complementary to the field studies in Peru the research team at The University of Glasgow demonstrated that H5 antigen binds to respiratory tissue of vampire bats Bat-derived lung, liver and kidney cell preparations supported growth of avian and mammalian H5 clade 2.3.4.4b virus.

In commenting on the significance of the study on vampire bats Dr. Richard Webby, a prominent virologist affiliated to St. Jude Childrens’ Research hospital noted that the findings “were not something we should get too worried about”. He added “Anytime we find H5N1 in a different species or a different route of infection, that increases the pandemic risk”. 

Tu, I-Ting. Spillover of H5 influenza virus to vampire bats at the marine-terrestrial interface.  bioRXiv doi.org/10.1101/2025.11.09.686930

In an exercise in judicial theater, James Uthmeier, Attorney General of the State of Florida announced an investigation into the source of chicken in Campbell’s Company products.  The Consumer Protection Division of the Florida agency will spearhead the unnecessary effort.

The Florida action arises from revelations in a lawsuit initiated by Plaintiff. Robert Garza, who is suing Campbell for employment discrimination. In a clandestine recording entered into evidence, the discredited and since terminated Vice President Martin Bally the former Chief Information Security Officer, deprecated both Campbell’s products and consumers and claimed that the company was incorporating “bio-engineered meat” in soups.

This statement should have been dismissed as simple puffery and uninformed hyperbole.  In the first instance, bio-engineered chicken is not available in commercial quantities.  The second indication of improbability, is that the cost of any bio-engineered meat would far exceed the natural product, obviously disfavoring use.

It would appear that the Office of the Attorney General is pursuing an obvious slander to generate partisan publicity and to create the illusion of enforcing state legislation banning production and sale of non-available laboratory-produced meat. Surely there are more substantive issues to consider in the State.  In a legal environment dominated by ideology, logic is the evident loser.

Extreme proponents of MAHA consider vaccination of populations as deleterious. In addition in their universe, mRNA technology is condemned despite the obvious benefits and proven effectiveness in suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent publication in the New England Journal of Medicine* confirmed the effectiveness of an mRNA influenza vaccine prepared by industry leader Pfizer in a Phase 2a trial.  The mRNA vaccine was totally effective in suppressing fever and symptoms of influenza in participants challenged with H1N1 virus. Recipients of the seasonal quadrivalent egg-propagated vaccine showed 85 percent protection.

In a separate trial, a Moderna-prepared mRNA vaccine completely suppressed symptoms of influenza compared to 4.2 percent of the participants receiving the quadrivalent vaccine and 26.9 percent of nonvaccinated controls.

The Pfizer mRNA vaccine was not associated with undesirable side effects.  Some reactogenicity occured with the Moderna vaccine including pain at the site of injection and transitory malaise.

Despite the condemnation of mRNA vaccines by uninformed public health Luddites citing spurious and unsubstantiated research and cherry-picked anecdotal reports, mRNA vaccines are safe and effective.  Their greatest virtue is that they can be manufactured in large volume rapidly, and inexpensively and can be tweaked to respond to changes in viral exposure. 

It is noted that the strains in the quadrivalent egg-propagated seasonal influenza vaccine are selected six months in advance of availability and deployment, precluding a rapid response to an emerging strain.  Generally, world populations have been previously exposed to H1 and H3 influenza viruses and can mount an anamnestic response.  The emergence of a zoonotic H5 virus currently circulating in commercial and migratory waterfowl reservoirs represents a challenge to public health authorities.  A suitable mRNA vaccine could be rapidly manufactured and deployed to raise population immunity and suppress an epidemic or in a worst-case scenario, a pandemic.

Regrettably unfounded ideology and proven science cannot coexist to the ultimate detriment of our health and economy.

*Lindert, K. Human challenge trial of a nucleoside-modified messenger ribonucleic acid influenza vaccine. NEJM Evid. 2025; 4(12).  doi:10.1056/EVIDoa2500087.