Bird flu struck the Midwest with a vengeance this year, but scientists have now developed a vaccine strain that is effective in protecting chickens from the disease. Testing is underway to see if it also protects turkeys, according to AgriMarketing.

If it does, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to license it for widespread production.

The virus killed 48 million birds since early March in 15 states. The vaccine is one part of planning for another outbreak, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said.

It is uncertain when the vaccine would be ready for large-scale production.