As I participated in a recent industry discussion hosted by Expana at their annual conference in Las Vegas, one theme came through clearly: animal health challenges are no longer short-term disruptions — they are now a lasting part of our agricultural landscape.
Nowhere is that more evident these days than highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and by no means should it be taken as a signal to lapse into complacency but rather as a call to challenge assumptions, push for better solutions and refuse to concede defeat.
USDA has demonstrated strong leadership in responding to this ongoing challenge. From coordinating rapid response efforts to surveillance and supporting producers on the ground, that leadership has made a meaningful difference and deserves recognition.
HPAI has become a multi-year, global animal health challenge that continues to evolve. Since 2022, more than 200 million birds in the United States have been affected, including over 22 million turkeys. The impact is being felt across the supply chain, from farmers to consumers. Ongoing losses and uncertainty have contributed to the smallest U.S. turkey flock in more than 40 years, and new detections continue across commercial and backyard flocks, reinforcing a simple reality: this is not behind us.
The turkey industry, working in close partnership with USDA and animal health officials, has made meaningful progress. Producers have adapted, investing in prevention, monitoring and response. Producers today are already operating at the highest levels of biosecurity. Surveillance systems are robust, and coordination across federal, state and industry partners has improved.
However, even with these advancements, the virus persists. That persistence underscores an important point: our current toolkit, while effective, is not sufficient on its own to fully address the scope and scale of this challenge. To truly get ahead of this disease, we need to continue expanding the tools available, and challenging ourselves to act with urgency, embrace innovation and globally lead with bold, science-driven decisions that move beyond the status quo.
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This includes advancing science-based approaches to HPAI vaccination and ensuring that any new tools are implemented in a way that supports both animal health and a more resilient supply chain without significantly compromising access to international trade. These are complex issues that require thoughtful coordination across government, industry and global partners.
USDA has the expertise and experience and is positioned to continue leading in this next phase.
The United States remains a global leader in animal health, and USDA’s expertise is critical for not only managing HPAI domestically but also shaping international expectations and response. As countries around the world navigate similar challenges, continued U.S. engagement and leadership is essential to advancing science-based standards, maintaining market access and supporting a coordinated global approach.
For the turkey industry, addressing animal health is central to restoring supply and meeting continued consumer demand. Turkey remains a staple for American families and a key source of lean, nutritious protein. Ensuring a stable and resilient supply starts with staying ahead of animal health challenges like HPAI that impact production.
The progress made to date underscores what strong partnerships can deliver. Under Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ leadership, USDA has played a critical role, and the collaboration between government and industry remains the backbone of the response. Paired with the president’s strength at the negotiating table, we are well positioned to build on this momentum and advance durable, long-term solutions.
HPAI continues to evolve and no longer follows patterns seen in the past. Now is the time to build on that progress.
That means keeping conversations moving, both domestically and internationally. It means continuing to invest in practical, science-based solutions. And it means ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of protecting animal health, supporting producers and maintaining a secure and reliable food supply.
The stakes for the turkey industry are significant, from farm-level impacts to long-term supply stability. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it is a reminder of the role this iconic American bird plays in both our nation’s history and its future. We are ready to continue this work alongside USDA.
Dr. Lindy Froebel is the senior vice president of science and policy at the National Turkey Federation and holds a doctorate in poultry science from Texas A&M University.