Report: RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Skepticism Helped Sink USDA Bird Flu Plan
Politico reports that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s opposition to vaccines played a significant role in the USDA shelving an avian flu response plan. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had announced a $1 billion plan in February 2025, but later withdrew an internal strategy to vaccinate poultry and egg-laying hens. The delay has worried lawmakers as wild birds migrate for winter.
Politico, relying on five people with direct knowledge, said Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s resistance to vaccines played a large role in the USDA plan being set aside. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had unveiled a $1 billion, five-part effort in February 2025, after the virus killed roughly 200 million birds from 2022 onward and contributed to record egg prices.
Rollins subsequently withdrew an internal USDA proposal to immunize poultry and laying hens, which had been meant for sharing with other governments and industry figures. Whether Kennedy directly pushed for the halt is unclear, but she reportedly feared it would conflict with his vaccine skepticism. Legislators are worried as wild birds move for winter.
The shelving of a poultry vaccination strategy could leave farmers and egg producers more exposed to avian flu outbreaks, potentially affecting supply and prices for consumers. It may also complicate trade with foreign buyers and industry partners if other countries move ahead with vaccination. Lawmakers and public health officials might face renewed pressure to clarify how vaccine skepticism shapes agricultural policy, while winter migration could heighten concerns about broader economic and