Bird flu resurfaces in US poultry flocks in Utah and South Dakota.
Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Detected in U.S. Poultry Flocks
In a concerning development, highly pathogenic bird flu has made its first appearances in U.S. commercial poultry flocks this season. The virus has affected a turkey farm in South Dakota and another in Utah.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that avian influenza, which is deadly to commercial poultry, was confirmed in a flock of 47,300 turkeys in Jerauld County, South Dakota, on Oct. 4 and at a farm with 141,800 birds in Utah’s Sanpete County last Friday.
These outbreaks mark the first reported cases among commercial flocks in the U.S. since the disease struck two turkey farms in the Dakotas in April. To prevent the spread of the flu, infected flocks are typically destroyed, and the farms undergo decontamination.
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Prior to last week, bird flu had only been reported in sporadic cases among backyard flocks or wild birds such as ducks, geese, and eagles. While wild birds may not show symptoms, their infections are concerning as they can spread the disease to vulnerable commercial flocks through migration.
Last year, bird flu caused significant losses for U.S. poultry producers, resulting in the death of nearly 59 million birds across 47 states. This outbreak, according to USDA figures, was the deadliest in the country’s history and led to increased prices for eggs and turkeys, costing the government over $660 million.
In 2015, another outbreak resulted in the loss of nearly 51 million birds in 15 states, making it the most expensive animal health disaster in U.S. history, with costs exceeding $1 billion.
While bird flu infections in humans are rare and not considered a food safety risk, scientists are concerned about the potential for the virus to evolve and spread more easily among people, especially as it affects other species. Cambodia recently reported its third human death from bird flu this year.
Agriculture officials view this year’s cases as part of last year’s outbreak, which originated in Europe and reached the U.S. in February 2022. To limit the potential for spread, the U.S. has implemented periodic restrictions on poultry imports from Europe.
“We’re just encouraging bird owners to make sure they’re increasing their biosecurity practices because avian flu is still out there and it’s easy to contract,” said Bailee Woolstenhulme, spokesperson for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
Despite farmers’ efforts to maintain tight biosecurity measures, there is little more they can do to prevent the virus from entering their flocks. The primary strategy involves preventing the introduction of wild bird droppings into poultry barns through workers’ footwear and clothing, as well as farm equipment, mice, small birds, and dust particles.
While this is Utah’s first case this year, the state experienced the impact of bird flu in 16 turkey farms, one egg farm, and several backyard flocks last year. South Dakota producers lost nearly 4 million birds, while Iowa, the hardest-hit state with nearly 16 million birds lost, hasn’t recorded a case since March.
What are some of the measures being taken to contain and prevent the further spread of highly pathogenic bird flu in commercial poultry flocks?
States. The outbreaks had a significant impact on the poultry industry, leading to trade bans on U.S. poultry exports and financial losses for many farmers.
The recent detection of highly pathogenic bird flu in commercial poultry flocks raises concerns about the potential for another devastating outbreak. The virus is known to spread rapidly among birds and can cause high mortality rates in infected flocks. This poses a serious threat to the poultry industry and its economic stability.
Efforts are underway to contain the outbreaks and prevent the further spread of the virus. Infected flocks will be culled to prevent the disease from spreading to other poultry farms. The affected farms will also undergo decontamination to eliminate any residual virus and minimize the risk of reinfection.
In addition to these measures, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed strict biosecurity protocols in the affected areas. These protocols include stringent control measures to prevent the movement of birds, equipment, and personnel in and out of the farms. Monitoring and surveillance activities will also be intensified to identify any new cases and prevent the disease from spreading further.
The recent outbreaks serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza to the poultry industry. Placing a strong emphasis on biosecurity measures is crucial for preventing future outbreaks and protecting the livelihoods of poultry farmers. Biosecurity measures include maintaining strict hygiene practices, conducting regular health checks on birds, and implementing effective pest and predator control measures.
The detection of bird flu in commercial poultry flocks also highlights the importance of monitoring wild bird populations. The movement of wild birds, especially migratory species, can contribute to the spread of the virus. Surveillance and early detection systems should be in place to identify potential sources of infection and implement appropriate control measures.
The poultry industry plays a vital role in the economy and food supply of the United States. Swift and decisive action is necessary to contain and eradicate the virus to minimize the impact on this sector. Strong collaboration between government agencies, poultry producers, and veterinarians is essential for effective disease management and prevention.
In conclusion, the recent detection of highly pathogenic bird flu in U.S. commercial poultry flocks raises concerns about the potential for another devastating outbreak. Strict biosecurity measures, culling infected flocks, and decontamination protocols are crucial for preventing the further spread of the virus. Continuous monitoring of both commercial and wild bird populations is necessary to identify potential sources of infection and implement appropriate control measures. Only through coordinated efforts can the poultry industry effectively combat this disease and protect the livelihoods of farmers.
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