U.S. Senator Mike Rounds has called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to devise an emergency plan for vaccinating cattle against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). In a letter addressed to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, co-signed by Senator Martin Heinrich, Rounds emphasized the need for preparedness in combating HPAI.
Since February 2022, South Dakota has experienced significant impacts from HPAI, affecting both commercial and backyard bird flocks. More recently, in March 2024, infections were detected in dairy cattle herds in Texas, with over 1,000 cases reported across 17 states including South Dakota. Although cattle can recover from HPAI, there is concern about potential further spread.
The senators urged USDA to consider all options: “While we fully recognize the sensitivities and potential implications of a vaccination strategy in cattle, we strongly urge USDA to be prepared for all potential options in the fight against HPAI.”
Rounds has been proactive regarding HPAI vaccines. He previously communicated with former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and former U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai about initiating vaccine discussions with trade partners. Additionally, Rounds introduced legislation requiring negotiations on an HPAI poultry vaccine strategy.
The letter highlights that more than 1,000 dairy cattle infections have been confirmed in at least 17 states and stresses the importance of additional measures to eliminate the virus from livestock herds.
The senators recommend that USDA should “aggressively prepare for an emergency cattle vaccination strategy” and expedite vaccine reviews and procurement as part of a broader approach to address the outbreak.
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