WHAT HAPPENED: NCC on Nov. 2 filed comments with USDA supporting USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics’ effort to update its rules for animal vaccines and similar products. These rules have not kept pace with modern chicken production and evolving science.
IN THE COMMENTS: NCC asked USDA to:
- Reduce animal testing by using newer and comparable lab methods.
- Improve access to vaccine ingredients so supply chain disruptions do not hold up production.
- Base withdrawal periods on science and make them both product and species specific. Today, all livestock and poultry, including chickens, must wait 21 days after certain vaccines are administered before going to market.
- Accept quality research from other countries instead of making companies repeat the same studies domestically.
- Speed up access to vaccines for emerging or rare diseases.
- Update rules for custom-made “autogenous” vaccines, including how long these vaccines can be used.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING: “Updates should be science-based, data-driven, and reflect current production practices,” said Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. She emphasized that USDA should keep its high standards for safety and effectiveness while making the process faster and more predictable.
WHAT’S NEXT: USDA will review the comments as it considers changes to existing regulations.
