Over 52 million birds are killed by the deadliest avian flu outbreak in US history

December 16th, 2023

The avian flu has killed 52.4 million birds in the US this year, making it the country suffering from its worst-ever infectious disease outbreak. The number of yearly deaths attributable to the illness is at an all-time high. Therefore, taking precautions around diseased or potentially infected birds/poultry is crucial to preventing the spread of bird flu viruses to humans, other birds/poultry, and other animals, including pets. This is relevant not only to situations in the workplace or with wildlife, but also perhaps to settings in homes with backyard flocks or pet birds that might be exposed to sick wild or domestic birds.

Even if the overall risk of the current bird flu epidemic to the general public remains low; you must make sure to acquaint yourself with the situation to best protect yourself, your pets and your loved ones.

The root cause of the rampant spread of the bird flu

Wild birds that migrate frequently spread the disease. International trade and agricultural methods are two additional significant contributing causes, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Intensive farms have been said to as the disease's "perfect incubators." Conditions that are crowded and frequently inadequately ventilated can accelerate the spread of the disease. The avian flu is a "urgent warning to move away from factory farming," according to experts.

For the uninitiated, in the past, 2015 saw the demise of 50.5 million birds, either from infection or pre-emptive culling.

How this flu has impacted egg and meat farms

Due to significant chicken losses, the cost of eggs and poultry meat increased dramatically around Thanksgiving. According to the news source CNBC, prices for turkey have increased by as much as 73 percent over the previous year. The tendency does not appear to be slowing down before Christmas. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, this year's avian flu outbreaks have affected more than 70% of commercial farming operations. Similar problems are occurring in the UK, where it's estimated that half of the nation's "free-range" turkeys have either been killed or passed away from avian influenza.

Human health risks from avian flu

The risk of bird flu spreading to humans is still minimal. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), human infection is "rare," although it is possible if a person comes into very close contact with birds. The CDC claims that the virus can enter a person's body through their mouth, nose, or eyes and cause a variety of problems. The most severe signs are pneumonia and respiratory problems, although other symptoms include red eyes and general cold-like symptoms. According to the CDC, the virus may evolve and increase its capacity for human-to-human transmission.

This indicates that the risk of a pandemic due to avian flu has been determined. Since January 2003, there have been 868 instances of avian flu in humans worldwide. As a result, more than half (53%) perished away.

Preventative measures that are being implemented

Avian influenza A viruses are excreted by infected birds in their faeces, mucus, and saliva. When susceptible birds come into touch with the virus, which is transmitted by infected birds, they get infected. Direct contact with infected waterfowl or other poultry can cause this, as can coming into contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. The current avian flu pandemic has so far harmed birds in 46 states. "Preventative measures" are therefore suggested. Americans are advised to avoid contact with wild birds since the virus can spread by touching, bird droppings, and feathers.

Some avian influenza A viruses are capable of infecting and even killing some domesticated bird species, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. These viruses are highly infectious among birds. Owners of backyard poultry or birds should take precautions to prevent their animals from contracting the potentially fatal bird flu virus!