Poultry Producers On Edge As Avian Flu Spreads Across The Country

Poultry producers across the U.S. are on edge as wild birds are believed to be spreading a highly deadly form of the avian flu across the country. 

“Everyone is just sitting on edge because we know what can happen, and we don’t want a repeat of that,” said Denise Heard, the vice president of research for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, an industry group, referring to a deadly outbreak in 2015. Nearly 50 million birds were killed, including mostly turkeys and egg-laying chickens in the Midwest. 

Indiana reported a highly pathogenic bird flu on a turkey farm on Wednesday. According to the IndyStar, nearly 30,000 turkeys have already been euthanized to try and contain the spread. Due to the outbreak, China, South Korea, and Mexico banned poultry imports from the state.

Experts believe that a wild bird is likely to blame for the spread of the H5N1 virus from the East Coast to Indiana. Wild ducks have tested positive for the strain. 

The disease is low risk to people but can be transmitted to humans. 

The disease hit the industry during a particularly trying time. Labor shortages due to the coronavirus pandemic and strong demand have left supplies low. According to Government data, frozen chicken supplies were down 14 percent from a year ago at the end of December, and turkey inventories were down 23 percent.