Two separate outbreaks of avian flu were reported this week, one at a poultry facility in Michigan and another at an egg producer in Texas. The virus has also infected dairy cows and there was a case of a human catching bird flu from a mammal. Health officials emphasize that the risk to the public remains low, but there is growing concern, especially with news that the largest producer of fresh eggs in the U.S. reported an outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are closely monitoring the situation, noting that the virus has been well studied and preparations have been in place for avian flu for the past 20 years.
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, primarily affects birds but can sometimes infect humans. The virus, Type A H5N1, has been around since 1959 and has evolved over time, spreading to various animal species in multiple countries. In the U.S., the virus has been detected in wild birds in all states, as well as in commercial poultry operations and backyard flocks. Dairy herds in five states have also been affected. While the virus has caused millions of chicken deaths nationwide, there have been limited cases of human infection, with only two reported in the U.S., neither of which were fatal.
Cases of bird flu in humans are rare, with the virus first being identified as a threat in 1997. Since then, nearly 900 people globally have been diagnosed with bird flu, resulting in over 460 deaths. In the U.S., there have been only two cases, one of which involved a prison inmate who recovered after showing symptoms of fatigue. Most people experience flu-like symptoms such as cough, body aches, and fever, with some developing severe pneumonia. While the virus mainly spreads from birds to humans, there have been instances of human-to-human transmission within families in certain clusters.
Experts and health officials continue to monitor the potential spread of bird flu among humans, with a keen focus on any signs of person-to-person transmission. While most cases have been linked directly to birds, there have been a few instances of human-to-human spread in the past. U.S. health officials maintain that the current public health risk is low and there is no evidence of widespread transmission among people. The economic impact of a bird flu outbreak is concerning, particularly with the potential for the virus to spread from one species to another. This could impact various industries, leading to higher prices for consumers and potential strain on export markets.
The egg industry has already felt the effects of bird flu outbreaks, with some tightening of supply and fluctuations in wholesale egg prices. Despite the recent outbreak in Texas and the loss of nearly 2 million birds, the overall impact on the egg market is relatively minor compared to the total number of egg laying hens in the U.S. While concerns remain about the potential economic repercussions of a widespread outbreak, experts and officials are working to contain the virus and mitigate any further impact on public health and industry sectors.
