US tackles bird flu: See outbreak's impact on animals, farm and vaccines
US tackles bird flu: See outbreak's impact on animals, farm and vaccines
Dawn O'Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, gets a look at the syringe filler during a tour of bird flu vaccine manufacturer CSL Seqirus in Holly Springs, N.C., in 2024. Alex Boerner, USA TODAY Network
Ravens and a gull feed on the carcass of a Canada goose on Oldham Pond in Pembroke, Mass., Jan. 29, 2025. Across the South Shore bird flu is killing waterfowl on ponds. Many of the dead birds are being eaten by raptors or scavengers. Greg Derr, The Patriot Ledger Via USA TODAY Network
A pod of dolphins feeds in the Haulover Canal in Titusville, Fla., Jan. 6, 2025. Scientists have confirmed the bird flu virus in three dead dolphins. Craig Bailey, Florida Today Via USA TODAY Network
Broox Daniel demonstrates how to swab the throat of a chicken to test for avian flu on her daughter's buff brahma chicken named Flash at their EB Daniel Farm in Olalla, Wash., Jan. 8, 2025. Meegan M. Reid, Kitsap Sun Via USA TODAY Network
Filled vaccines are inspected using a Brevetti inspection system at the CSL Seqirus vaccine manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, N.C., in 2024. Alex Boerner, USA TODAY Network
A demonstration of the shoe wash and disinfecting bath used before staffers enter the zoo's vet hospital holding area where some birds are settled. With bird flu hitting the U.S., the zoo has implemented many precautions to keep its animals and workers safe. Kris Craig, The Providence Journa Via USA TODAY Network
The remains of a Canada goose after it was eaten by a predator on Hobart Pond in Whitman, Mass. Across the South Shore bird flu is killing waterfowl on ponds. Many of the dead birds are being eaten by raptors or scavengers on Jan. 29, 2025. Greg Derr, The Patriot Ledger Via USA TODAY Network
Chatham Animal Control Officer Diane Byers picks up a dead sea duck on Scatteree Landing in Chatham, Mass., Feb. 5, 2025. Area officials were responding to concerns about the H5N1 avian flu that has caused death in birds. Merrily Cassidy, Cape Cod Times Via USA TODAY Network
A dead Red-breasted Merganser sits on the shore of 31st Street Beach after dead birds began washing ashore on Lake Michigan, prompting a warning from health authorities ahead of tests for bird flu, in Chicago, Ill., Feb. 5, 2025. Vincent Alban, Reuters
A sign for customers shopping for eggs at Trader Joe's hangs by cartons of eggs in Merrick, N.Y., Feb. 10, 2025. Shannon Stapleton, Reuters
HDC receiving staff prep arriving milk samples for testing at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University on Dec. 10, 2024 in Ithaca, N.Y. The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week issued a federal order that requires the testing of the nation's milk supply amid increasing concerns over HPAI (a strain of the H5N1 avian flu), which has been raising alarm since it was first detected in a Texas cow. In July 2024, New York lawmakers gave $19.5 million in order to expand the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University, after avian flu was confirmed to be spreading to dairy cattle. The virus has spread to over 710 dairy herds across 15 states. Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images
Cows from a non-suspect herd are milked at the Cornell Teaching Dairy Barn at Cornell University on Dec. 11, 2024 in Ithaca, N.Y.. The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week issued a federal order that requires the testing of the nation's milk supply amid increasing concerns over H5N1 (avian flu), which has been raising alarm since it was first detected in a Texas cow. In July 2024, New York lawmakers gave $19.5 million in order to expand the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University, after avian flu was confirmed to be spreading to dairy cattle. The virus has spread to over 710 dairy herds across 15 states. Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images
ITHACA, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: A sample of milk is taken from a cow from a non-suspect herd to be tested at the Cornell Teaching Dairy Barn at Cornell University on December 11, 2024 in Ithaca, New York. The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week issued a federal order that requires the testing of the nation's milk supply amid increasing concerns over H5N1 (avian flu), which has been raising alarm since it was first detected in a Texas cow. In July 2024, New York lawmakers gave $19.5 million in order to expand the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University, after avian flu was confirmed to be spreading to dairy cattle. The virus has spread to over 710 dairy herds across 15 states. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images
Chickens are transported on a semi-truck trailer along Highway 99 near Fresno, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2025. A resurgence of avian flu, which first struck the United States in 2022, is hitting chicken farms hard, sending egg prices soaring and rattling consumers accustomed to buying this dietary staple for only a few dollars. Patrick T. Fallon, AFP Via Getty Images
Empty shelves of eggs are seen in a supermarket in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Feb. 20, 2025. The recent U.S. outbreak of bird flu since early 2024 is exacting a heavy toll on poultry farms. More than 21 million egg-laying hens have been "depopulated" this year so far, after 13.2 million were culled in December, according to the US Department of Agriculture. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU, AFP Via Getty Images
Chickens stand in a henhouse at Sunrise Farms on Feb. 18, 2025 in Petaluma, Calif. As egg prices continue to skyrocket due to the avian flu outbreak, egg farmers are having to invest millions of dollars in biosecurity efforts to keep their flocks safe. Fourth-generation egg farm Sunrise Farms in Petaluma lost 550,000 chickens to avian flu in December of 2023, marking the first time in 112 years that the main family farm had no chickens. It took Sunrise Farms over a year to rebuild their flock to 900,000 chickens that produce nearly 500,000 eggs a week. Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Mike Weber, co-owner of Sunrise Farms, holds a chicken inside a henhouse at his farm on February 18, 2025 in Petaluma, Calif. As egg prices continue to skyrocket due to the avian flu outbreak, egg farmers are having to invest millions of dollars in biosecurity efforts to keep their flocks safe. Fourth-generation egg farm Sunrise Farms in Petaluma lost 550,000 chickens to avian flu in December of 2023, marking the first time in 112 years that the main family farm had no chickens. It took Sunrise Farms over a year to rebuild their flock to 900,000 chickens that produce nearly 500,000 eggs a week. Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Defective eggs are discarded from an egg washer at Sunrise Farms on Feb. 18, 2025 in Petaluma, Calif. As egg prices continue to skyrocket due to the avian flu outbreak, egg farmers are having to invest millions of dollars in biosecurity efforts to keep their flocks safe. Fourth-generation egg farm Sunrise Farms in Petaluma, California lost 550,000 chickens to avian flu in December of 2023, marking the first time in 112 years that the main family farm had no chickens. It took Sunrise Farms over a year to rebuild their flock to 900,000 chickens that produce nearly 500,000 eggs a week. Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Eggs are displayed for sale on the street in Chinatown on Feb. 25, 2025 in New York City. The wholesale price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities hit $4.95 last month. That is more than 50% higher than this time last year and is beginning to affect household budgets. Spencer Platt, Getty Images
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Migratory birds develop antibodies to bird flu, officials say
(WAVY) – Wildlife officials are keeping a close eye on the spread of avian influenza after along the North Carolina coast earlier this year — most of them brown pelicans. The outbreak has since been linked to the H5N1 strain of bird flu, a virus that continues to mutate and occasionally jump to other species, raising concern among experts. Miranda Turner, a wildlife health biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said the area is a prime wintering ground for birds — making it easier for disease to spread. 'When you bring a lot of animals together and you have them traveling from different locations, it's a really good way to transmit diseases,' Turner said. In Hampton Roads, bird flu outbreaks aren't new. Lisa Barlow, president of T recalls treating sick and dying Canada geese during a 2021 outbreak on the Lafayette River. 'We dealt with about three to four dozen Canada geese that came in sick and dying,' Barlow said. 'Only six survived the flu, and even those had to be euthanized due to severe neurological symptoms.' Barlow described birds arriving unable to hold their heads up, their beaks caked in mud. Many died within 24 hours. As the virus continues to affect wildlife, it's not just birds at risk. , including seals, cats and even cattle. Experts say it's mutated at least several times since it was first identified. 'I mean, anything that can do that — it's kind of frightening, but amazing,' Barlow said. Despite the concerning spread, health officials emphasize the risk to humans remains low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70 human cases have been reported nationwide, including one death. Most infections have been among people with repeated exposure to infected animals, such as poultry or dairy farm workers. 'There's really low risk,' Turner said. 'Still, it's a good idea to clean bird feeders regularly and wear gloves or a mask if you handle injured wildlife.' Barlow also urges caution for those who come across sick birds. 'If you do want to help, wear gloves, protect yourself,' she said. 'Common sense goes a long way.' Meanwhile, as migratory birds continue to interact and spread the virus, some are developing natural antibodies, according to Turner. 'They're bouncing back and creating herd immunity,' she said. Last week, the Associated Press reported the in funding meant to support Moderna's development of a bird flu vaccine. The vaccine, which uses mRNA technology similar to the COVID-19 vaccine, had shown early promise in clinical trials. For now, wildlife officials say they expect to see more outbreaks in the years ahead, especially during peak migration periods. 'Because this virus is so common in migratory birds, it is likely that we will continue to see cases here and there every winter,' Turner said. As of right now, there have been no confirmed human cases of H5N1 in Virginia and although the risk remains low for humans, for birds it can be extremely deadly – leading to large die-off events like the ones we saw near Cape Hatteras. 'Unfortunately, this was the first kind of major large scale mortality event… while it looks really bad at that small scale of seeing 300 brown pelicans die – it's not impacting their population as a whole or the species as a whole,' adds Turner. Turner also explains that the surviving pelicans are still there, 'The brown pelicans that did survive that event were still nesting on that island successfully and are doing well. So really, it's a short scale kind of scary looking event, but nothing that raises alarm for biologists in the long term.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Bird flu can live in raw milk for more than a week, study finds
The bird flu virus can remain infectious in raw milk for over a day at room temperature and more than a week when refrigerated, according to a new, non-peer-reviewed research from a group of UK scientists. The study, published in medRxiv, examined the stability of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in raw cow and sheep milk, with researchers simulating storage conditions common in dairy settings. 'High viral titres were detected in milk from infected cows, raising concerns about onwards human infections,' the authors wrote. Scientists emphasized that pasteurization effectively kills the virus, but unpasteurized milk poses a potential risk of infection, both through occupational exposure in dairies and the consumption of raw milk. To test how long the virus remains infectious, scientists incubated the virus in pasteurized milk at room temperature and at 39.2 F, simulating both ambient dairy conditions and refrigerated storage. They also tested sheep's milk using a lab strain of avian flu. Scientists stressed that these results represent a 'worst-case scenario' and are meant to provide an 'upper-bound' estimate of how long H5N1 might survive in milk. They urged continued precautions to reduce zoonotic transmission risks. Bird flu has devastated poultry and dairy farms, and sent the price of eggs soaring in the U.S. since it was first detected in North America in late 2021. More than 12,000 individual birds have tested positive since the virus began spreading, according to the Agriculture Department. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
a day ago
- The Hill
Bird flu can live in raw milk for more than a week, study finds
The bird flu virus can remain infectious in raw milk for over a day at room temperature and more than a week when refrigerated, according to a new, non-peer-reviewed research from a group of UK scientists. The study, published in medRxiv, examined the stability of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in raw cow and sheep milk, with researchers simulating storage conditions common in dairy settings. 'High viral titres were detected in milk from infected cows, raising concerns about onwards human infections,' the authors wrote. Scientists emphasized that pasteurization effectively kills the virus, but unpasteurized milk poses a potential risk of infection, both through occupational exposure in dairies and the consumption of raw milk. To test how long the virus remains infectious, scientists incubated the virus in pasteurized milk at room temperature and at 39.2 F, simulating both ambient dairy conditions and refrigerated storage. They also tested sheep's milk using a lab strain of avian flu. Scientists stressed that these results represent a 'worst-case scenario' and are meant to provide an 'upper-bound' estimate of how long H5N1 might survive in milk. They urged continued precautions to reduce zoonotic transmission risks. Bird flu has devastated poultry and dairy farms, and sent the price of eggs soaring in the U.S. since it was first detected in North America in late 2021. More than 12,000 individual birds have tested positive since the virus began spreading, according to the Agriculture Department.
