In a recent turn of events, a significant egg producer in the U.S. has halted production at a Texas plant due to the detection of bird flu.
Andrew Jeong reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the U.S., stopped operations at its Texas plant after finding bird flu in its chickens, culling over 1.9 million birds.
- A dairy worker in Texas contracted avian influenza, marking the second known human case in the country, amid growing concerns over the spread among livestock.
- Bird flu detections in livestock are increasing across the U.S., with cases in cattle and commercial poultry facilities, underscoring a broader concern about the virus's spread.
Key quote:
"No farm is immune from HPAI."
— Cal-Maine Foods
Why this matters:
For poultry and other farm animals, bird flu represents a significant threat. Infected birds can exhibit a range of symptoms, from mild illness to a severe form that can result in death within 48 hours. The disease spreads through contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, and materials, and can be carried on the feet and bodies of wild birds. In response to outbreaks, millions of birds may be culled to prevent the spread of the virus, affecting food supply and causing economic losses for farmers.
New analysis finds there are now more than twice as many large-scale poultry farms than industrial hog farms in North Carolina, bringing about new pollution concerns.
