Since 2022, numerous poultry operations in the US have been re-infected with avian influenza, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in federal compensation, according to documents obtained by The Guardian. The recurring outbreaks emphasize the need for more aggressive prevention, including poultry vaccination and changes to poultry farming methods, as experts suggest.
At least 56 poultry operations, comprising chicken and turkey farms, in the US have been infected twice by bird flu. Additionally, 17 poultry farms have experienced three rounds of infections. These farms, primarily located in South Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, and North Dakota, have received an estimated $75 million in payments.
Six farms have experienced four outbreaks of H5N1 and are all located in South Dakota, receiving an estimated $23 million in compensation. The USDA spokesperson confirmed that 67 commercial poultry operations have been re-infected at least once, with 18 farms infected three or more times.
Farms with re-infections have received more than $365 million in federal payments, with the USDA planning to require a biosecurity audit before providing further indemnity payments. The USDA has paid over $1.1 billion to more than 1,200 poultry producers for culling and replacing their flocks.
Record-high egg prices in the US have soared to $5.90 a dozen in February, with the potential for a 41% increase this year. Meanwhile, egg producers have reported record profits. The Trump administration recently unveiled a $1 billion plan to tackle the current outbreak, which has affected 70 Americans and resulted in one death in Louisiana.
The plan focuses on improving biosecurity, including free audits and reducing regulations, while investing $100 million in potential treatments and vaccines. Biosecurity measures include sanitizing facilities and limiting access to chicken houses.
However, experts advocate for more changes in poultry farming to reduce outbreak occurrences. Smaller operations could mitigate risks, and sharing workers across poultry operations may be spreading the virus. Vaccinating hens could prevent some egg shortages and high prices.
While biosecurity measures can help, they may not be enough to prevent the spread of the virus. Experts recommend reconsidering vaccination of poultry flocks to mitigate production losses and prevent potential pandemics. The administration could also incentivize producers to adopt more humane and faster depopulation methods and support poultry producers in diversifying into alternative forms of agriculture.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/28/bird-flu-us-poultry-farms-vaccines
