USA
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is once again affecting U.S. commercial poultry flocks this season, sparking concern in the industry. The latest outbreaks have been confirmed at a turkey farm in South Dakota and another in Utah, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The first case occurred on October 4 in a flock of 47,300 turkeys in Jerrold County, South Dakota, and the second case occurred last Friday in a flock of 141,800 in Sanpete County, South Dakota, Utah. Turkey farm. Avian influenza is deadly to commercial birds and has resulted in the destruction of affected flocks in addition to decontamination of facilities to prevent the spread of the disease.
This is the first reported outbreak among U.S. commercial chicken flocks since April, when the disease affected two turkey farms in the Dakotas. Before last week, cases were limited to sporadic appearances among backyard chickens or wild birds such as ducks, geese and hawks.
Although wild birds typically do not show symptoms of avian influenza, infection in these birds is a serious problem for the poultry industry because migratory birds can spread the disease and can lead to product shortages and higher prices, affecting markets.
Experts warn that more cases are likely to emerge in the near future as the migration season has just begun. Last year, bird flu killed nearly 59 million poultry, including laying hens, turkeys and broiler chickens, in 47 states, making it the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history. The outbreak also caused egg and turkey prices to rise for consumers, costing the government more than $660 million.
Although human infections with avian influenza are rare and are not considered a food safety risk, scientists are concerned about the possibility that the virus can evolve and spread more easily between people. Recent reports from Cambodia, which has recorded its third human death from bird flu this year, confirm this concern.
Agriculture officials believe this year’s cases are related to last year’s outbreak, which reached the United States in February 2022 after spreading in Europe. The country regularly restricts poultry imports from Europe to limit the possibility of spread.
Authorities are urging poultry farmers to tighten biosecurity measures, even though producers have taken strict measures for years to prevent the virus from entering chicken flocks. The main strategy is to prevent wild bird droppings from entering the poultry house, whether on workers’ shoes and clothing, or through farm equipment, rats, small birds and even dust particles.
The latest case in Utah is the first in the state this year, but 16 turkey farms, an egg farm and several backyard chicken flocks were affected in the area last year. Producers in South Dakota lost nearly 4 million birds last year, while Iowa, the hardest-hit state, lost nearly 16 million birds and has not had any cases since March. The poultry industry remains vigilant as it faces the challenges posed by this ongoing threat.