According to statistics obtained from the Department of Agriculture, the current avian flu outbreak in the United States has resulted in the deaths of more than 50.54 million birds in the country. It is also the worst animal health disaster in the history of the United States.
Because the virus is easily transmitted between birds and can damage a variety of bird species, including chickens, turkeys, and others, it has a considerable negative impact on farmers who raise birds. Additionally, wild birds can carry it, which has contributed to the general expansion of the affected region. During this year’s holiday season, the price of chicken and eggs has increased because of the virus.
There is evidence that certain wild birds, such as ducks, mallards, and hawks, can transmit the disease by their feces, feathers, or through direct contact with poultry.
According to data from the USDA, the outbreak started in February and spread to 46 states, infecting poultry as well as other types of birds.
In the outbreak that occurred in 2015, only around 30 percent of the illnesses were directly attributed to the origin of wild birds. This percentage is significantly smaller when compared to the 85 percent that was found this year.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), turkey farms make up more than 70 percent of the commercial poultry farms that have been infected during this outbreak of Avian flu. Currently, government officials are conducting research on turkey farms to determine how to avoid future infections.
Despite the fact that there is a little risk for humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States of America advise against coming into contact with any sick or dead birds.
In the beginning of this year, there were concerns raised about the flu. As a response to the spread of avian flu across the United States, some states requested that homeowners remove their bird feeders from the exterior of their homes. This was done to prevent birds, particularly migratory species, from congregating and spreading the disease.
Both the Department of Natural Resources for the state of Michigan and the Department of Natural Resources for the state of Illinois have issued suggestions to people that they take down their bird feeders.
