U.S. reports 1st outbreak of deadly H7N9 bird flu since 2017
The United States has recently experienced its first outbreak of the deadly H7N9 bird flu on a poultry farm since 2017. This comes at a time when the country is already dealing with another strain of bird flu that has impacted humans and caused egg prices to soar to record highs.
Avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, has wreaked havoc on poultry flocks worldwide, leading to disruptions in the food supply chain and contributing to rising food prices. The virus has also crossed over to mammals, with reports of dairy cows in the U.S. being infected. This has raised concerns among governments about the potential for a new pandemic to emerge.
While the H5N1 strain has caused significant damage to poultry and even resulted in the death of one person in the U.S., the H7N9 bird flu virus has proven to be even more deadly. The World Health Organization has reported that nearly 40% of humans infected with H7N9 have succumbed to the virus since its discovery in 2013.
The latest outbreak of H7N9 was identified on a farm in Noxubee, Mississippi, where nearly 48,000 commercial broiler breeder chickens were affected. The World Animal Health Organization, based in Paris, confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain in the flock. Efforts are currently underway to depopulate the affected chickens to prevent further spread of the virus.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working in collaboration with state animal health and wildlife officials to investigate the outbreak and implement enhanced surveillance measures. This comprehensive response aims to contain the spread of the virus and protect both poultry populations and human health.
As the U.S. grapples with the dual challenges of H7N9 and H5N1 bird flu strains, it is crucial for authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring and addressing potential outbreaks. The health and safety of both animals and humans are at stake, and swift action is necessary to mitigate the impact of these deadly viruses.
