Bird Flu Outbreak Leads to Culling of 1.6M Hens, Infects US Dairy Cows
April 3, 2024Cal-Maine Foods Inc, the US's largest fresh egg producer, has ceased operations at a Texas facility due to bird flu, leading to the culling of almost 2 million birds.
The highly pathogenic bird flu has spread to U.S. dairy cows, marking the first time the virus has affected bovine herds, with cases reported in at least five states.
The bird flu has caused the deaths of over 82 million birds in the US and has been detected in wild birds, poultry, and now dairy cows.
A human case of bird flu has been identified in Texas, in someone who was in contact with infected cows, though the public health risk remains low.
Federal officials are vigilant in monitoring the bird flu to prevent the emergence of a new strain that could pose a higher risk to human health.
The USDA has confirmed the presence of the H5N1 bird flu strain in cows across several states, while the CDC is actively tracking the virus's spread.
Despite the outbreak, the risk to the milk supply is minimal as the pasteurization process effectively kills the avian flu viruses.
Summary based on 20 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Apr 2, 2024
Person Infected With Bird Flu in Texas After Contact With CattleThe Guardian • Apr 3, 2024
Texas egg facility halts production after bird flu found in chickensInside Climate News • Apr 2, 2024
Bird Flu Is Picking its Way Across the Animal Kingdom—and Climate Change Could Be Making it Worse - Inside Climate NewsThe Washington Post • Apr 3, 2024
Largest U.S. egg producer detects bird flu at Texas plant