In the United States this year, 52.4 million birds have died as a result of avian flu. The number of yearly deaths attributable to the illness is at an all-time high.
The prior benchmark was achieved in 2015. 50.5 million birds died in that year, either from infection or preemptive culling.
Wild birds that migrate frequently spread the disease. International trade and agricultural methods are two additional significant contributing causes, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Intensive farms have been said to be the disease’s “ideal incubators.” Conditions that are crowded and frequently inadequately ventilated can accelerate the spread of the disease. The avian flu is an “urgent warning to move away from factory farming,” according to experts.
The current avian flu pandemic has so far harmed birds in 46 states. “Preventative measures” are therefore suggested.
Americans are advised to avoid contact with wild birds since the virus can spread by touching, bird droppings, and feathers. Additionally, people who have domestic birds and backyard flocks are encouraged to avoid possible contacts with wild birds.
Farms affected by bird flu
The cost of eggs and poultry meat skyrocketed in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving as a result of significant poultry losses. According to the news source CNBC, prices for turkey have increased by as much as 73 percent over the previous year. The tendency does not appear to be slowing down before Christmas.
According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, this year’s avian flu outbreaks have affected more than 70% of commercial farming operations.
Similar problems are occurring in the UK, where it’s estimated that half of the nation’s “free-range” turkeys have either been killed or passed away from avian flu.
Human health risks
The risk of avian flu spreading to humans is still minimal. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), human infection is “rare,” although it is possible if a person comes into very close contact with birds.
The CDC claims that the virus can enter a person’s body through their mouth, nose, or eyes and cause a variety of problems. The most severe signs are pneumonia and respiratory problems, although other symptoms include red eyes and general cold-like symptoms.
According to the CDC, the virus may evolve and increase its capacity for human-to-human transmission. This indicates that the risk of a pandemic due to avian flu has been identified.
Since January 2003, there have been 868 cases of avian flu in humans worldwide. As a result, more than half (53%) passed away.
Source: “Deadliest Avian Flu Outbreak In US History Kills Over 52 Million Birds” by Plant Based News
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