Bird flu infects US poultry flock, first time since April.
First Case of Avian Flu Detected on US Poultry Farm
CHICAGO—The United States has detected its first case of avian flu on a commercial poultry farm since April, in a flock of 47,300 turkeys in Jerauld County, South Dakota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.
Infected flocks are culled to prevent the spread of the virus, potentially tightening the poultry meat and egg supply if more cases occur.
Since 2022, 58.8 million U.S. chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been wiped out by the disease, officially known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), according to the USDA. The losses drove prices for turkey meat and eggs to record highs last year, raising costs for inflation-hit consumers.
Farmers have since worked to rebuild their flocks, increasing supplies.
Cal-Maine Foods, the biggest U.S. egg producer, said this week that the average price of conventional eggs dropped 48 percent from last year to $1.24 per dozen in a quarter that ended on Sept. 2. The company’s total net sales fell 30 percent to $459.3 million in the quarter.
“HPAI is still present in the wild bird population and the extent of possible future outbreaks, particularly during the upcoming fall migration season, cannot be predicted,” Cal-Maine said. Wild birds like ducks transmit the virus.
Prior to this week’s outbreak, U.S. infections were limited to live bird markets and ”non-poultry” birds since April, USDA records show. The last commercial farms infected in April raised turkeys in South Dakota and North Dakota, records show.
How many cases of avian flu have been reported in the US since 2022, and what has been the economic impact?
First Case of Avian Flu Detected on US Poultry Farm
The United States has recently experienced its first case of avian flu on a commercial poultry farm since April. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the presence of avian flu in a flock of 47,300 turkeys located in Jerauld County, South Dakota.
As a precautionary measure, infected flocks are culled to prevent the spread of the virus. However, if more cases occur, there is a possibility of a tightening in the poultry meat and egg supply. This could have an impact on prices and availability of these products in the market.
According to the USDA, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has resulted in the loss of approximately 58.8 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds in the U.S. since 2022. This alarming number of losses has led to record-high prices for turkey meat and eggs last year, ultimately affecting consumers who were already dealing with the effects of inflation.
Avian flu, also known as HPAI, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds. It can spread rapidly within poultry farms, leading to significant economic losses and potential disruptions in the food supply chain. The detection of avian flu on the poultry farm in South Dakota highlights the ongoing challenge of controlling and preventing the spread of this disease.
Efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases of avian flu. The USDA is working closely with industry stakeholders and implementing strict biosecurity measures to limit the virus’s transmission. Rapid response and effective containment strategies are crucial to protecting the poultry industry and minimizing the impact on consumers.
In addition to the immediate response, there is a need for long-term measures to address the threat of avian flu. This includes continued surveillance, research, and development of vaccines that can provide better protection against different strains of the virus. International cooperation is also essential, as avian flu can easily cross borders through trade and migratory birds.
The detection of avian flu on a U.S. poultry farm serves as a reminder of the persistent risk this disease poses to the poultry industry and food security. It emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance, investment in preventive measures, and collaboration between governments, industry, and scientific communities.
As authorities continue to manage the current outbreak, consumers can play a role in supporting the poultry industry by following recommended food safety practices and maintaining confidence in the safety and quality of poultry products. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can collectively work towards minimizing the impact of avian flu and protecting the well-being of both animals and humans.
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