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Avian influenza

Bird Flu Resurgence Hits Poultry Flocks Amid Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the holiday season approaches, the US is seeing a surge in bird flu cases, with nearly seven million farmed birds dying since September, including over 1.3 million turkeys. The virus often flares up in the fall as wild birds migrate, but this year's uptick is occurring during a government shutdown, complicating the response efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Agriculture have suspended routine communication with states, leaving officials without up-to-date guidance on detecting and containing the disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bird flu virus has affected over 180 million farmed birds and killed countless wild ones since early 2022, with the current surge beginning earlier than usual and showing no signs of slowing down.
  • The virus has infected dozens of new species and has spilled over into dairy cows, affecting over 1,000 herds in 18 states.
  • At least 70 people, mostly farmworkers, have been infected, resulting in several hospitalizations and one death.
  • The USDA has said it will use emergency funds to support its bird flu program during the shutdown.
  • The CDC has maintained some essential staff members who could help in case of an emergency, but multiple regular calls with state officials have been suspended, leaving a gap in communication and coordination.
  • The suspension of the calls means that labs are no longer sharing information on a national basis, making it harder to disseminate changes in the virus and recommended containment measures.
  • The virus remains a threat to wild birds, including many threatened species, with the International Crane Foundation announcing the first confirmed death of an endangered whooping crane from bird flu.
  • Wholesale turkey prices are already 40% higher than last year, and experts are bracing themselves for an acceleration in the months ahead.
  • The US is facing a shortage of turkeys and eggs due to the high mortality rates among farmed birds.

Statistics:

  • Over 180 million farmed birds have been affected by the bird flu virus since early 2022.
  • The current surge has resulted in the deaths of nearly 7 million farmed birds since September, including over 1.3 million turkeys.
  • At least 70 people have been infected with the virus, resulting in several hospitalizations and one death.
  • Over 1,000 dairy herds in 18 states have been affected by the virus that has spilled over into dairy cows.
  • The virus has infected dozens of new species since early 2022.
  • Wholesale turkey prices are 40% higher than last year.

Sources:

  • "Bird flu virus surge cases in US amid government shutdown" by the New York Times
  • "CDC and USDA suspend routine communication with states due to government shutdown" by the New York Times
  • "USDA to use emergency funds to support bird flu program during shutdown" by the New York Times
  • "CDC maintains essential staff members during shutdown" by the New York Times
  • "International Crane Foundation announces first confirmed death of endangered whooping crane from bird flu" by the International Crane Foundation

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