Arizona Egg Producer Attributes Egg Crisis to Federal Avian Flu Vaccination Ban

BUCKEYE, Ariz. — The president of Hickman Family Farms, Dave Hickman, asserts that the federal government bears responsibility for the recent avian flu deaths of six million chickens in his care. He cites a prohibition against vaccinating his flock as a major factor.

“We can prevent bird flu; it’s not an act of nature like lightning,” Hickman expressed. He questioned the logic behind the current restrictions on vaccination.

The avian flu outbreak has already decimated over 30 million egg-laying hens across the United States, leading to record-high egg prices last March.

Currently, the USDA has not authorized commercial farms to vaccinate their chickens, despite the availability of a domestic vaccine that is utilized successfully in various countries.

“While I am unable to vaccinate, we still import eggs from Mexico, where vaccination is standard,” Hickman noted, emphasizing the inconsistency in policy.

This dilemma primarily stems from the broader chicken broiler industry, which exports considerable quantities of chicken products. Many importing countries refuse to accept vaccinated poultry, complicating the matter further.

Hickman argues that egg-producing hens are not used for meat and should be permitted vaccinations. His position is supported by Dr. David Engelthaler of the TGen lab at Arizona State University. Engelthaler described vaccination as an “essential component” of a comprehensive approach to combatting the flu.

As Hickman prepares to replenish his flock with 350,000 chicks in July, he remains apprehensive about their safety from the virus. “I am concerned about how to protect them,” he admitted.