Government officials are working closely with the nation’s poultry industry to contain the worst outbreak of bird flu on record. Over 33 million birds have died in 16 states because of the bird flu or preemptive euthanasia.
Multiple food inspection agencies believe the current die-off was triggered in early December when poultry farms in British Columbia reported incidents of the H5N2 flu strain. By December 19, the virus, though it was a different strain, made its first reported appearance in the United States.
Indiana reported its first case of the virus this month. Investigators found that this particular and unique strain of the virus was first reported in California. This shows the tremendous ability for the virus to travel.
The bird flu is believed to be spread by droppings left on farms by migratory birds, such as ducks and geese. It may then be spread by farmers who unknowingly transport bird flu. The virus can also be spread on dust or bird feathers blown by the wind.
Experts say that the current strains of bird flu pose a low risk to human health. No cases of infected humans have been reported so far.
The outbreak has caused the prices of poultry and eggs to soar. The price of eggs purchased in the Midwest has jumped 17 percent in the last month. Farmers have already warned that there may be a shortage of turkeys for this Thanksgiving due to the loss of about 5.6 million turkeys nationwide.
“The big message is to increase and enhance biosecurity measures,” Maryland Department of Agriculture public information officer Vanessa Orlando said. “The best we can try is to do is keep it out of houses – washing hands, tires, trucks, feet and shoes.”
