Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has floated a controversial idea: allowing bird flu to spread naturally through poultry populations instead of culling infected birds. Critics argue this could escalate risks to both animal and human health, while supporters claim it might lead to herd immunity in birds. The debate highlights tensions between agricultural practices, public health, and unconventional policy approaches.

Editor’s Note: Bird flu outbreaks often lead to mass culling of poultry to contain the virus, but RFK Jr.'s suggestion flips that strategy on its head. If adopted, it could have unpredictable consequences—potentially reducing economic losses for farmers but increasing the chances of the virus mutating and jumping to humans. Given his influence, this proposal adds fuel to an already heated debate about how to handle zoonotic diseases.