The US Department of Agriculture has granted a conditional approval for Zoetis $ZTS to use its avian influenza vaccine for domestic poultry. This decision, based on solid safety data and justified expectations regarding efficacy, comes at a time when almost 70 human cases of avian influenza have been reported in the United States since last April, with one fatality. The majority of these cases involved farm workers with direct contact with infected domestic poultry or cattle.

Shares of the American biotechnology company $MRNA saw a significant 5% increase after receiving substantial funding. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated $590 million to Moderna for the development of a vaccine targeting avian flu. These investments aim to expedite the creation of mRNA-based vaccines through the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle, supported by the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

$MRNA has caught the attention of investors after its stock experienced a notable boost following news of significant funding directed at developing a bird flu vaccine. The company's shares surged by 5%, driven by a $590 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding aims to accelerate the creation of a vaccine based on cutting-edge mRNA technology.