Massive Bird Flu Outbreaks Continue: Over 1.3 Million Chickens Culled in Ohio Farm
In a bid to contain a major outbreak of avian influenza, authorities have ordered the culling of over 1.3 million chickens on a farm in Ohio. This comes as the second farm to carry out such drastic measures this month, following an egg farm in Taylor County, Iowa, which culled 1.1 million birds, and a Wright County, Minnesota farm, which eliminated 940,000 birds.
Despite the relatively lower severity of bird flu cases this year compared to the previous year, the toll on commercial poultry farms remains significant. So far this year, a staggering total of 8.1 million birds have been culled due to the spread of avian influenza. This is a cause for concern within the industry, as such outbreaks have had detrimental effects on not only the poultry population but also the economy.
Avian influenza viruses are categorized into two groups: Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI), commonly found in wild birds, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), primarily affecting domestic poultry. LPAI viruses generally cause mild to no disease, while HPAI viruses result in severe illness and high mortality rates among infected birds.
Fortunately, human cases of bird flu remain rare. In fact, since 2022, there has been only one reported case of an individual contracting the H5N1 strain of the virus in the United States. Nonetheless, the ongoing bird flu outbreak has placed a heavy burden on the government, with costs totaling approximately $660 million.
Furthermore, the outbreak has had a direct impact on consumers. The prices of eggs and poultry have risen as a consequence of the reduced supply caused by culling infected birds. The slaughtering of approximately 65 million birds since 2022 demonstrates a proactive approach in limiting the spread of the virus and safeguarding public health.
Recognizing the signs of avian influenza is crucial to containing outbreaks as early as possible. Indicators of an infected bird may include sudden deaths, decreased egg production, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and swelling of various body parts like the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks. Swift identification and reporting of suspected cases can help prevent further spread and mitigate the impact on the poultry industry.
Efforts to combat avian influenza remain ongoing, but the scale of the outbreak highlights the need for improved biosecurity measures and surveillance within the poultry sector. Vigilance and prompt action are essential to minimize the impact of future outbreaks in Guam and beyond.
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