Flu Kills 50 Million Birds, Currently in The News is The Bird Flu

Flu kills 50 million birds Currently in the news is the bird flu

The number of birds killed has surpassed 50 million across 46 states, making this the deadliest avian flu epidemic in US history. 50.54 million US birds have died, according to the Department of Agriculture, and the figure is continually growing. The catastrophe here is the worst for animal health in US history.

50.54 million US birds have died, according to the Department of Agriculture, and the figure is continually growing. The catastrophe here is the worst for animal health in US history. Turkeys, hens, and other bird species are all affected by the virus, which spreads swiftly among them. Poultry farmers are significantly harmed by this. It may also be carried by wild birds, which has expanded the overall impacted region.

Due to the loss of chicken flocks, the cost of Thanksgiving on Thursday in the United States skyrocketed. This is because heated inflation hurt consumers more and caused record-high prices for eggs and turkey meat. Some British grocery stores restricted their customers' egg purchases as a result of the avian flu epidemic, which is also at its worst in Europe and Britain.

The virus, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been found in the droppings, feathers, and direct contact with poultry from wild birds. Among these birds are hawks, mallards, and ducks.

46 States of the US:-

The outbreak began in February and spread to 46 states, according to information from the USDA, affecting both poultry and non-poultry birds. As wild birds continue to transmit HPAI throughout the country as they migrate, according to Rosemary Sifford, chief veterinary officer for the USDA, avoiding contact between domestic flocks and wild birds is crucial for protecting US poultry.

The USDA informed Reuters that it was interesting that just around 30% of the illnesses in the 2015 epidemic could be clearly connected to wild bird sources, a considerable decline from 85% this year.

Taking Away Bird Feeders:-

According to the USDA, turkey farms make up more than 70% of the commercial poultry farms affected by this avian flu outbreak. To discover how to stop new illnesses, government experts are studying these turkey farms. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advise avoiding touching sick or dead birds despite the fact that they claim there is no risk to people.

This year, the flu started to raise questions sooner. Some jurisdictions have requested that citizens remove their bird feeders from the exterior in order to prevent wildlife, especially migratory species, from congregating and dispersing the avian flu.

The Department of Natural Resources encouraged residents in Michigan and Illinois to remove their bird feeders. People who wanted to learn more about why wildlife specialists suggest taking this precaution got in touch with Dr. Gail Hansen, DVM, MPH, from the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, a branch of the Humane Society of the United States.

According to Hansen, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is easily spread by bird droppings, respiratory secretions, and surfaces that have been exposed to virus particles. The virus is hardy and can survive in cold and below-freezing temperatures. This is the justification for certain governmental authorities' request that birdfeeders be removed.

According to PEOPLE, she also stated that bird feeders encourage different bird species to gather where the virus might be readily spread between them and the shared surfaces might momentarily retain the infection.