Experts Warn Against Uncontrolled Spread of Avian Flu in U.S. Poultry, Citing Ethical and Public Health Risks

A coalition of virologists, veterinarians, and health security experts has strongly criticized a proposal to allow the uncontrolled spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in U.S. poultry flocks. In a Policy Forum, the team, led by Erin Sorrell, argues that the strategy—aimed at identifying naturally resistant birds—is unethical and poses significant risks to animal welfare, public health, and food security. Since January 2022, HPAI has already infected over 173 million birds in the U.S.The study was published in Science.

The authors highlight that permitting HPAI to spread unchecked could lead to unnecessary suffering among poultry and endanger other animals and farmworkers. They warn that prolonged viral circulation increases the risk of adaptation, potentially creating long-term reservoirs of infection and raising the threat of a future pandemic.

Economically, the proposal could devastate the poultry industry, disrupt the supply of affordable protein, and trigger price hikes for eggs and poultry meat. Rural communities, reliant on poultry farming, would face cascading economic losses across related sectors, such as feed suppliers and transport networks. Additionally, global trade restrictions on U.S. poultry products could further destabilize the market.

Instead of the high-risk “let-it-spread” approach, Sorrell and colleagues urge reinforced surveillance, improved outbreak response, and science-based tools to mitigate spillover risks. They emphasize the need for collaborative, real-time strategies to protect both public and ecological health.

“Allowing a highly lethal, rapidly evolving virus to run its course in poultry would lead to unnecessary suffering and increase risks for humans and other animals,” wrote Sorrell et al. They added, “The U.S. is not prepared for uncontrolled H5 spread—this policy must be rolled back in favor of proactive measures.”

The authors stress that the proposed strategy could have dire consequences, from ethical concerns to global health threats. They call for immediate action to prioritize surveillance and science-driven solutions over risky, uncontrolled viral spread.