Lethal Fowl Flu Outbreak Is The Worst In U.S. Historical past

An ongoing outbreak of a lethal pressure of chicken flu has now killed extra birds than any previous flare-up in U.S. historical past.

The virus, referred to as extremely pathogenic avian influenza, has led to the deaths of fifty.54 million home birds within the nation this 12 months, in keeping with Agriculture Division knowledge reported by Reuters on Thursday. That determine represents birds like chickens, geese and turkeys from industrial poultry farms, yard flocks and amenities corresponding to petting zoos.

The depend surpasses the earlier report of fifty.5 million useless birds from a 2015 outbreak, in keeping with Reuters.

Individually, USDA knowledge reveals no less than 3,700 confirmed circumstances amongst wild birds.

On farms, some birds die from the flu instantly, whereas in different circumstances, farmers kill their complete flocks to forestall the virus from spreading after one chicken checks constructive. Such farmers have sometimes drawn condemnation from animal welfare advocates for utilizing a culling methodology referred to as “air flow shutdown plus,” which includes sealing off the airways to a barn and pumping in warmth to kill the animals.

The virus has raged by Europe and North America since 2021. A wide range of wild birds have been affected worldwide, together with bald eagles, vultures and seabirds. This month, Peru reported its first obvious outbreak of extremely pathogenic avian influenza after 200 useless pelicans had been discovered on a seaside.

The migration of contaminated wild birds has been a significant reason for the unfold. Well being and wildlife officers urge anybody who retains home birds to forestall contact with their wild counterparts.

Whereas well being specialists don’t typically think about extremely pathogenic avian influenza to be a significant threat to mammals, a black bear cub in Alaska was euthanized earlier this month after contracting the virus. Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen informed the Juneau Empire newspaper that the younger cub had a weak immune system.

Over the summer season, avian flu additionally unfold amongst seals in Maine, which the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration believed contributed to an unusually excessive variety of seal deaths.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention states that the danger “to most of the people” from the chicken flu outbreak is low. Nevertheless, the company recommends precautions like sporting private protecting tools and completely washing arms for individuals who have extended contact with birds which may be contaminated.

In April, a Colorado prisoner working at a industrial farm grew to become the primary individual within the U.S. to check constructive for the brand new pressure, although he was largely asymptomatic.