Trump team weighs pulling funding for Moderna's bird flu shot despite outbreak

• The funds awarded in January from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority were aimed at creating a line of defense against H5N1 in people that matches the strains circulating in cows and birds.

What they're saying: "While it is crucial that the U.S. Department and Health and Human Services support pandemic preparedness, four years of the Biden administration's failed oversight have made it necessary to review agreements for vaccine production," an HHS spokesperson told Axios.

• Moderna didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The details: Moderna in 2023 began early stage studies of an experimental pandemic influenza vaccines for adults, including candidates against H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses.

• The company said in January that it was preparing to advance the study into a Phase 3 trial.

Catch up quick: The review comes after the USDA this month licensed an updated bird flu vaccine for poultry as part of efforts to rebuild a national stockpile for use in livestock.

• The department on Wednesday said it would spend up to $1 billion to combat the spread of bird flu, including providing free biosecurity audits to farms, NBC News reported.