Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, cautioned U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins not to be influenced by opponents of vaccination as the country faces animal health issues that affect multiple species.
During a recent U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, Grassley addressed concerns about New World screwworm (NWS) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and how important it is that vaccination and prevention options be fully explored. His concerns are heightened by people with an anti-vaccination mentality.
“I know there are voices in the Cabinet that don’t like vaccinations. From that standpoint, I expect you to speak for agriculture and not listen to any of those other people that might be trying to convince you … because they don’t know anything about agriculture. You do, and you shouldn’t be listening to them,” Grassley said. “And if you’re getting pressure from higher up to do that, let me know so I can defend you.”
Grassley told Rollins that she didn’t have to respond to that advice during the hearing, adding, “I’d rather not have you respond to it,” but she did anyway.
“I can assure you there is no pressure,” she said, noting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is “taking very seriously” vaccination options.
Rollins added that the number of HPAI cases in the U.S. have decreased through biosecurity and through other therapeutic options, but the USDA is “studying very carefully the potential for what” an HPAI vaccination program would look like.
She also said that the USDA must ensure that any approved vaccine doesn’t cause a mutation in the virus, enabling it to jump to animals in other agriculture sectors.
In the case of NWS, Rollins said because it is a flesh-eating pest and not a virus or a disease, vaccination doesn’t specifically fit the conversation. However, she mentioned other ways to treat NWS, including sterile fly technology, feed treatments and other options that can be effective.
