All articles tagged with #poultry farming
Researchers at Penn State discovered that the diabetes drug metformin can increase egg production and improve reproductive health in aging hens by altering liver gene expression, potentially benefiting sustainable poultry farming without risking human food safety.
The US Department of Agriculture has paid poultry producers over half a billion dollars for the birds they were forced to kill due to the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, with the aim of encouraging quick reporting of outbreaks. However, animal welfare groups argue that the compensation program reinforces inhumane culling methods, such as using heat to kill thousands of birds at once. Some suggest that organic farming methods could make farms less susceptible to bird flu outbreaks.
A mother's viral post about stringy and squishy chicken bought from Aldi has brought attention to "spaghetti meat," a phenomenon affecting a small percentage of farmed poultry. This is the result of fast-growing chickens bred in the meat industry, where their muscles cannot keep up with the rapid growth, causing the fibers to separate. While safe to eat, the meat may have a chewier texture. Companies are now reverting back to slower-grown chickens for improved quality and taste, as concerns about the altered density and texture of the meat, such as "woody breast," arise.
Research reveals that bird flu, or H5N1, has been rapidly spreading since 2020, impacting various non-avian species and resulting in 882 human cases across 23 countries with a worrying fatality rate of 52%. The virus's potential to adapt and infect more species raises concerns about a potential pandemic, prompting calls for urgent research and surveillance. Dr. Diana Bell emphasizes the need for a global overhaul of poultry farming practices to prevent future outbreaks and safeguard both animal and human health.
An avian flu outbreak has forced US egg farmers in California to cull millions of birds, causing economic devastation and a spike in egg prices. The highly contagious virus, spread by migratory birds, has led to the destruction of over 1 million birds in Sonoma and Merced counties. Experts attribute the outbreak to climate change disrupting wild bird migration patterns. The poultry industry faces an existential threat, with concerns about backyard flocks spreading the virus to commercial farms. Farmers are implementing strict biosecurity measures, while affected farms are working to recover and rebuild their flocks.
Poultry farms in California, including Liberty Ducks in Sonoma County, have been hit hard by a surge in highly pathogenic avian influenza, leading to the destruction of over 1 million birds and quarantine measures. This has caused a dwindling supply of poultry for local restaurants and markets, raising concerns about potential price increases. The outbreak, which has affected multiple counties, is attributed to migratory wild birds carrying the virus. Farmers are grappling with the financial impact, with some seeking community support and federal compensation. The situation remains uncertain, with experts warning of potential prolonged effects depending on weather conditions.
Tyson Foods will no longer use its "no antibiotics ever" label on chicken packaging, as the company plans to reintroduce certain antibiotics in its chicken production. The antibiotics used will not be important for human treatment, and Tyson claims that its decision is based on sound science and the well-being of animals. The company will transition to a "no antibiotics important to human medicine" label by the end of 2023. This change marks a departure from Tyson's previous stance in 2015 when it aimed to eliminate antibiotics from its chicken production. The use of antibiotics in poultry farming has been a topic of concern due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Health officials and poultry farmers are preparing for the likely return of avian influenza, which is expected to be strong again this year. Migrating ducks are the prime carriers of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus, and researchers are monitoring DNA changes in the virus found in mammals. Poultry farmers are adjusting to living with the virus' presence and are implementing creative biosecurity measures to prevent the virus from entering the barn from outside. Federal scientists have been working on a poultry vaccine to prevent bird flu, but mass vaccinations are unlikely to happen in time to prevent an outbreak this year.