The Other Pandemic: Bird Flu Found in 40th State This Year

Scientists confirmed a backyard flock of poultry in northwestern Tennessee was infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), part of a resurgence of the disease in the central states. Some 3.37 million birds in domestic flocks have died of bird flu so far this month. Nationwide losses during September will be the largest since April.

According to USDA, 26 outbreaks of HPAI have been reported this month. The largest was at an egg farm with 3 million hens in Ohio. Bird flu was reported at seven turkey farms in Minnesota with a total of 289,900 birds.

Nationwide, 44.12 million birds in domestic flocks have died or been culled due to HPAI this year, making it the worst outbreak since the 2014-15 epidemic that killed 50 million birds.

The disease is typically carried by migrating waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. USDA’s job is to keep poultry from infected flocks out of the food supply.

The outbreak that earlier this year contributed to a spike in egg and meat prices appeared to be waning in June, but officials had warned then that another surge could return this fall.

Editor’s Take:

Horrible news for poultry and egg producers and turkey growers. It is also unwelcomed news for consumers who are already experiencing rapidly climbing egg and poultry prices in the grocery store. We certainly had high expectations that the spread could be controlled to reduce or prevent the euthanizing of flocks across the country. Unfortunately, that is not the case. This disease has certainly had a negative impact on poultry output. Be sure to let poultry producers in your area know that you understand how devastating this disease can be and that you are there to support them.