Trump administration canceled avian flu vaccine development

The Trump administration canceled a $770 million contract with Moderna to develop an avian flu vaccine, risking the nation's preparedness against a potential pandemic. This decision, equivalent to the cost of seven fighter jets, comes despite the high economic and human costs of past pandemics, including the H5N1 virus already impacting egg prices. The administration also cut funding for medical research and appointed an anti-vaccine advocate. Moderna's vaccine, using promising mRNA technology, was expected to be ready by early 2026, but the cancellation may force the U.S. to rely on other countries for limited vaccine supplies if an outbreak occurs.