"Avian Flu Devastates California's 'Egg Basket' and Sends Egg Prices Soaring"

Avian flu outbreaks have devastated poultry farms in California, with nearly a million birds destroyed in Sonoma County and Merced County due to highly pathogenic avian influenza. The virus, spread by migratory birds, has led to a spike in egg prices and economic losses for farmers and workers. Strict biosecurity measures are being implemented, and experts warn about the risk of backyard chickens becoming infected and spreading the disease. The outbreak, exacerbated by climate change, has impacted over 7 million chickens, posing a significant challenge for the commercial poultry industry's recovery.