Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed a controversial solution regarding the avian flu currently affecting the country. The politician suggested allowing the virus to spread freely among poultry farms in order to identify immune animals. This idea has sparked strong criticism from experts, who warn of serious risks to public health, animal welfare, and the economy.
Despite the negative feedback from specialists, Kennedy’s initiative has been supported by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who stated that some farmers might be willing to try it. However, health professionals such as Dr. Gail Hansen, former state veterinarian of Kansas, have strongly rejected the idea, emphasizing that any infection is an opportunity for the H5N1 virus to mutate and become even more dangerous, putting not only animals but also workers and human health at risk, as reported by the New York Times.
Dr. David Swayne, a poultry expert, also warned that allowing the infection to spread could result in nearly 100% of the poultry dying painfully, with severe consequences for their welfare. Furthermore, the uncontrolled spread of the disease would lead to heavy losses, including extended quarantines and the closure of commercial markets.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is focusing its efforts on strengthening biosecurity measures on farms to prevent further outbreaks.
Avian flu has had a devastating impact on poultry farms, forcing farmers to cull large numbers of birds. This has led to a drastic reduction in egg production and an unprecedented market shortage, along with skyrocketing prices. Consumers have faced considerable costs for an essential product. Additionally, food industries that use eggs as an ingredient have seen increased production costs, which have been passed on to consumers, further exacerbating inflation in the sector.
