2025 Mar 14, 13:15
Over the past week, more than 1.5 million egg laying hens have been depopulated, according to the USDA's Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The virus has been detected in multiple operations across California and Kansas. A total of 243,300 birds in Merced County, California, and 497,700 birds in Sonoma County, California, were affected. In addition, an operation of 800,000 birds in Rice County, Kansas, is also being depopulated due to the virus. Turkey operations have also been hit by the virus, with 73,700 birds in Merced County, California, and 47,900 birds in Muskegon County, Michigan, affected
The number of birds affected by avian flu in the U.S. since February 2022 has now reached 77.19 million, a significant increase from the end of November's figures of 64 million. After a lull during the summer, the virus has made a resurgence, mainly due to migrating wild waterfowl. As a result, it is crucial for commercial and backyard flock owners to take precautions to prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a contagious viral disease that can severely affect chickens, turkeys, and other birds, leading to severe illness or sudden death. Poultry owners need to closely monitor their birds for symptoms, including respiratory distress, decreased energy and appetite, decreased water consumption, decreased egg production, misshapen or soft-shelled eggs, incoordination, and diarrhea
It is essential to report any sick or unusual deaths among birds to state or federal officials immediately. APHIS provides biosecurity resources and additional information to help poultry owners combat the virus.