Bird flu reappears in U.S. poultry; they fear widespread spread

Highly pathogenic avian influenza affects poultry flocks again The commercials airing in the U.S. this season have caught the attention of 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.

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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. Bird flu is deadly for commercial birds, causing destruction of affected flocks to prevent the spread of In addition to decontaminating facilities, measures should be taken to control the spread of disease.

This is the first reported outbreak in a U.S. commercial chicken flock since April, when the disease struck 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 usually do not show symptoms of avian influenza, Infections in these birds are a serious problem for the poultry industry, Because migratory birds can spread diseases They can influence markets through product shortages and price increases.

Experts warn that more cases are likely to emerge in the near future as the migration season has just begun. Bird flu killed nearly 59 million birds in 47 states last yearincluding laying hens, turkeys and broiler chickens, making it the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history. The outbreak has also caused egg and turkey prices to rise for consumersand cost the government more than $660 million.

Although human infection with avian influenza is rare and is not considered a food safety risk, Scientists worry the virus may 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.

agricultural officerThey believe this year’s cases are related to last year’s epidemic, the virus arrived in 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 urge bird owners to step up biosecurity measures This is despite producers having taken strict measures for years to prevent the virus from entering their herds. 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.