WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to invest up to US$100 million in research to develop treatments and vaccines for bird flu in poultry.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the U.S. will also import more eggs from South Korea, joining Turkey and Brazil in supplying eggs to help lower food prices.

Since 2022, bird flu has killed nearly 170 million egg-laying hens, turkeys, and other birds, causing egg prices to soar. The virus has also been found in humans and dairy cows.

The USDA said funding will be available for vaccine and treatment makers, states, universities, and other organizations. Rollins has spoken with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about preventing the virus's spread.

Kennedy, known for opposing vaccines, has said he does not support a bird flu vaccine and believes the virus should spread naturally to identify immune birds. When asked if Rollins agreed, her chief of staff said they share a common approach but did not comment on his views.

The USDA currently requires infected flocks to be culled, a method supported by veterinarians and public health experts. In February, Rollins said the U.S. would invest up to $1 billion to fight bird flu and lower egg prices.

While no vaccine is approved yet, the USDA is looking for suitable candidates. The egg industry supports vaccinating poultry and possibly dairy cows, said Chad Gregory, CEO of the United Egg Producers.