U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins recently spoke with Breitbart News about the Trump administration’s strategy to lower egg prices. The plan focuses on repopulating chicken flocks and strengthening biosecurity measures, while ruling out mandatory vaccines for animals against avian flu.
During President Donald Trump’s recent address to Congress, he highlighted the issue of soaring egg prices, placing the blame on the Biden administration for failing to take action over the past two years. Rollins echoed this sentiment, explaining that while Biden’s team acknowledged the problem, they did not implement meaningful solutions.
To tackle the issue, the USDA has unveiled a $1 billion plan with five key components:
- Enhancing Biosecurity: Strengthening farm defenses against avian flu by improving ventilation, sealing barns, and preventing exposure to wild birds.
- Repopulating Flocks: Rebuilding chicken populations lost to previous outbreaks.
- Deregulation: Reducing bureaucratic hurdles to speed up repopulation efforts and streamline production.
- Egg Imports: Bringing in eggs from countries like Turkey and negotiating additional sources.
- Vaccine Consideration (Now Rejected): Initially explored but ultimately dismissed due to ineffectiveness in other countries like Mexico.
Rollins emphasized that mass vaccinations would not be an effective solution. Research shows that even with multiple doses, a significant percentage of chickens still contract avian flu. Instead, the administration is prioritizing long-term solutions such as biosecurity and selective breeding for disease resistance.
“There is misinformation circulating that the USDA approved a dairy cattle vaccine for avian flu. That is not true,” Rollins clarified, noting that any vaccine consideration is at least a year away, if ever.
Rollins described biosecurity as the most immediate and effective solution, citing a pilot program where 150 secured barns saw only one case of avian flu. The program includes measures like patching holes in barns, securing ventilation, and improving farm sanitation to prevent disease transmission.
While biosecurity addresses immediate risks, repopulating flocks and easing regulations are crucial for long-term stability. Rollins criticized previous mass culling policies, stating that the administration is focused on rebuilding poultry populations quickly to stabilize supply and lower costs.
Beyond food security, Rollins praised Trump’s leadership, particularly in trade negotiations. She emphasized that he is personally engaged in discussions with world leaders to support American farmers and ranchers.
The Trump administration is taking a hands-on approach to reducing egg prices through biosecurity, repopulation, deregulation, and strategic imports. By rejecting mandatory vaccines and focusing on long-term industry stability, the USDA aims to restore affordability for American consumers while protecting the agricultural sector.
