HPAI Vaccine Receives Conditional Approval: What It Means for Hatcheries and Back Yard Flocks

The USDA’s recent conditional approval of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccine developed by Zoetis has ignited discussions throughout the poultry industry.

With more than 141 million birds impacted by HPAI during the ongoing outbreak, the introduction of a vaccine represents a potential new tool in the fight against this devastating disease. But what does this conditional approval really mean, and how does it impact small hatcheries like ours?

What Is a Conditional License?

A conditional license is issued in response to urgent situations where an immediate solution is needed, but full regulatory approval has not yet been granted. This means the vaccine can only be used under strict government mandates, primarily for large-scale egg and meat producers. The vaccine must still undergo further evaluation and receive final USDA approval before it can be widely distributed.

At this time, the vaccine is not available for small hatcheries, backyard flocks, or independent poultry keepers. The USDA’s focus remains on large-scale commercial operations where HPAI has had the most severe economic impact. However, as research continues, there’s a possibility that vaccine availability could expand in the future.

How Are Vaccines Used in the Hatchery Industry?

Vaccination is a key part of poultry health management, but how and when vaccines are given depends on whether we're talking about our breeding flocks or the day-old chicks shipped to customers.

Breeding Flock Vaccination Program

Our breeding flocks follow a carefully scheduled vaccination program to ensure strong immunity and the best health for their lifetime. This program begins with vaccination for Marek’s disease and continues at specific ages with additional vaccines, such as those for Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis, to provide optimal protection.

Vaccination Options for Day-Old Chicks

For the baby chicks we ship to customers, we offer the option to vaccinate for Marek’s disease before they leave our hatchery. This is the only vaccine we provide at hatch because many poultry vaccines are designed to be given at later ages for the best results.

This approach ensures our breeding flocks are well-protected while giving customers the flexibility to decide what’s best for their chicks as they grow.

However, not all vaccines are the right fit for every hatchery. Introducing a new vaccine requires careful evaluation to ensure it meets high safety and effectiveness standards. If the HPAI vaccine becomes available for small hatcheries in the future, we will work closely with our veterinarian to determine if it aligns with our commitment to producing healthy, thriving chicks.

Our Commitment to Flock Health

At our hatchery, the health and well-being of our chicks remain our top priority. While we continue to monitor HPAI developments and vaccine availability, we remain committed to strong biosecurity practices—the first line of defense against avian influenza and other poultry diseases.

For now, small poultry keepers should focus on preventing HPAI through strict biosecurity measures, including:

1. Limiting contact with wild birds and other poultry
   
2. Practicing good sanitation in coops and runs
   
3. Avoiding the sharing of equipment between flocks
   
4. Monitoring birds closely for any signs of illness

We will keep our customers informed of any changes regarding HPAI vaccine availability and its potential impact on small flocks. In the meantime, we encourage poultry keepers to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting their birds.

Have questions about biosecurity or chick health? Feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!