Global Virus Network Statement on H5N1 Vaccine Developments

The Global Virus Network (GVN), representing eminent human and animal virologists from more than 90 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in over 40 countries dedicated to advancing research, collaboration, and pandemic preparedness, unequivocally supports and is very encouraged by recent developments in vaccines targeting H5N1 avian influenza, including the initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial by Moderna for its mRNA-based H5N1 vaccine candidate (mRNA-1018), with the majority of clinical sites based in the United Kingdom and additional sites in the United States. This effort, supported by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research...

ANALYSIS: Protein Production Outlook for Q3

The USDA is forecasting a mixed outlook for protein production in Q3, with significant declines expected in beef and turkey, while pork and broiler output remain steady or edge higher. Beef production is projected to fall sharply year-over-year (YOY), down 5.4% from 6.78 billion pounds in Q3 2024 to 6.42 billion pounds in Q3 2025. This reflects a tightening cattle supply pipeline, a trend that has persisted throughout much of the year and continues to pressure beef availability.

Turkey output is also forecast to contract, slipping 4.5% YOY to...

South Africa Begins Vaccinating Cattle as FMD Hits Four Provinces

South Africa has kicked off a national vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The move comes after confirmed outbreaks in four provinces, the South African Ministry of Agriculture said on Monday.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen oversaw the rollout at Karan Beef’s Heidelberg feedlot. The facility, near Johannesburg in Gauteng Province, confirmed an outbreak earlier this month.

"The first batch of 900,000 vaccines arrived in South Africa last week, and we commenced with the vaccination over the weekend," Steenhuisen told reporters on-site...

Brazil Confirms New HPAI Outbreak in Backyard Poultry

On Saturday, June 7, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock confirmed the detection of bird flu in a backyard flock from the municipality of Campinápolis, in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil.

The Official Veterinary Service closed the property and collected samples for laboratory analysis, which confirmed the outbreak. This marks the fourth case of avian influenza detected in backyard poultry in Brazil.

On Sunday, June 8, eradication measures and surveillance actions began within a 10 km radius of the outbreak...