All articles tagged with #poultry farms
Sonoma County faces its first avian flu outbreaks of the 2025-26 winter, affecting duck and egg farms, with significant bird deaths and economic impacts, highlighting ongoing biosecurity challenges and the need for rapid response to contain the highly virulent virus.
Five workers in Colorado have been infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which is suspected to have spread from dairy cows to chickens and then to humans. The infections occurred during the culling of infected chickens, with high temperatures making it difficult for workers to use protective gear. The CDC and USDA are investigating the outbreak, which has significantly increased the number of human cases linked to the virus. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, but the virus has been found in milk from infected cows.
The first human case of H5N1 avian influenza in Australia was reported in Victoria, involving a child who contracted the virus in India and has since recovered. Concurrently, an outbreak of a different avian flu strain, H7N3, was detected at an egg farm in Victoria. While H5N1 has not been found in Australian birds, the situation underscores the need for vigilant surveillance and rapid data sharing to prevent potential human pandemics.
Avian flu outbreaks have devastated poultry farms in California, leading to the slaughter of over 1 million birds in Sonoma and Merced counties. The highly contagious virus, spread by migratory birds, has prompted strict biosecurity measures and a state of emergency declaration in Sonoma County. The outbreaks have caused a spike in egg prices and raised concerns about the virus spreading to backyard flocks. Despite the challenges, affected farmers are working to recover and rebuild their flocks.
Kansas agriculture secretary confirmed the state's 15th case of avian influenza since December 1, with the pathogen concentrated in egg-laying and gamebird facilities. The outbreak, primarily transmitted by wild birds, has led to the euthanization of infected flocks. The state Department of Agriculture is involved in the humane disposal of carcasses to prevent further spread, and backyard flocks are identified as a vulnerability due to limited biosecurity measures. The U.S. Department of Agriculture emphasized the seriousness of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and the need for rapid response.
France has raised the risk level of bird flu to 'high' after new cases of the highly contagious virus were detected, prompting poultry farms to keep birds indoors. The disease has been spreading in several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. France has launched a vaccination campaign, initially targeting ducks, to counter the disease, but only 70% of the targeted ducks have received a first shot and 40% have been fully vaccinated. The spread of bird flu is a concern for governments and the poultry industry due to the potential devastation to flocks, trade restrictions, and the risk of human transmission.
Turkey prices have been low due to an expected bird flu outbreak that didn't materialize, leading to increased turkey supplies. However, an uptick in bird flu cases is now hitting turkey farms hard, potentially tightening supply and causing price hikes in the spring. While egg supplies have bounced back, with prices declining, the bird flu continues to threaten poultry flocks, particularly turkeys. The fall migratory season will determine the trajectory of the virus this year. Although bird losses are smaller compared to last year, regional losses could still cause spot shortages and pricing volatility. Unlike eggs, turkey isn't a kitchen staple, so higher prices may lead consumers to skip turkey sandwiches.
Mexican animal safety authorities have confirmed the first case of H5N1 avian influenza in a wild duck in the state of Jalisco, while declaring the country's poultry farms free of the virus. The confirmed case does not indicate an outbreak but highlights the need for poultry farmers to be vigilant in preventing the entry of infected wild birds. The H5N1-free designation allows for the sale of live poultry and poultry products originating in Mexico. The government will continue to maintain strict safety procedures to ensure the country remains free of the disease.
Michigan poultry farms are on high alert for the highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1) that has killed over 58 million birds in the US since January 2022. The virus is particularly vicious for chickens, attacking multiple internal organs within days, and can spread through saliva, feces, or surfaces. Michigan's egg production adds $655 million to the state economy, and the turkey industry has a $2.9 billion economic impact. Poultry farms are taking measures such as wearing protective suits, cleaning trucks on site, and educating employees to prevent the virus from getting near the birds.