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The Current Avian Flu Outbreak: What You Need to Know
Current Avian Flu HPAI Outbreak
The current avian flu outbreak is caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5). It has been detected in U.S. wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry, and backyard or hobbyist flocks since January 2022. Since then, it is still ongoing as of March 2023. It has affected a record number of poultry birds in 47 states.
Wild birds can be infected with HPAI and show no signs of illness, which makes it difficult to control the spread of the disease. The bird flu situation remains primarily an animal health issue, but a few reported human infections have been reported. Biologists are concerned that H5N1 may be in North America to stay.
As of March 1, 2023, an Avian Flu epidemic has killed over 58 million backyard and commercial birds. Seven hundred seventy-seven outbreaks have been reported so far. You can check the weekly update on that website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/data-map-commercial.html.
What is HPAI A(A5)?
HPAI A(H5) is a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5. The bird flu virus primarily affects chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
HPAI A(H5) viruses can mutate and sometimes infect humans with close contact with infected birds. When humans are infected, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness, sometimes leading to death.
The first detection of HPAI A(H5) in birds occurred in Scotland in 1996 when the virus was identified in a flock of geese. This was followed by a series of outbreaks in different countries, including Italy and the Netherlands, in which the H5N1 strain of the virus was identified in domestic poultry.
The first known human cases of HPAI A(H5N1) infection occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, when 18 people were infected, six of whom died. This marked the first time the H5N1 strain had been transmitted from birds to humans.
Since then, HPAI A(H5N1) and other subtypes of HPAI A(H5) have caused numerous outbreaks in birds and sporadic cases in humans. While human infections with HPAI A(H5) viruses remain relatively rare, they can be severe and have a high mortality rate, making them a concern for public health.
Backyard and Commercial Birds
Backyard birds are domesticated or wild birds typically kept for pleasure or as pets in a household or small farm setting. Examples of backyard birds include chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and quails. In addition, backyard birds are often raised for their eggs, meat, feathers, or as show birds.
On the other hand, commercial birds refer to birds raised in large numbers for commercial purposes, such as meat or egg production. These birds are typically bred for traits that make them more productive, such as high egg-laying capacity, rapid growth, and efficient feed conversion. Examples of commercial birds include broiler chickens, laying hens, and turkeys.
While backyard birds and commercial birds can belong to the same species, they are often raised under different conditions and for other purposes, which can affect their behavior, health, and welfare. For example, backyard birds are usually given more space and freedom to roam. In contrast, commercial birds are often housed in large indoor facilities, kept in cages, or crowded together in large groups.
Economic and Social Impact on the Poultry Industry, Trade, and Public Health
The avian flu outbreak has had a severe economic and social impact on the poultry industry, trade, and public health. Consumers have responded to newspaper articles about potential health hazards by reducing their demand for eggs and chicken.
The bird flu has raised the price of eggs and chicken, contributing to higher consumer prices. In addition, communities have been advised to remove bird feeders and baths as poultry contract the virus through infected migrating wild birds.
The impact of the avian flu outbreak has been felt across the entire poultry industry, from small backyard operations to large commercial farms. As a result, farmers have been forced to cull their flocks to prevent the spread of the disease, resulting in significant financial losses.
The outbreak has also affected trade, as some countries have banned imports of poultry products from the United States.
What can we do about it?
While the primary concern remains the health and welfare of the birds, the outbreak has also affected human health and the economy.
Farmers and consumers alike will need to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease, such as practicing suitable biosecurity measures and following guidelines from public health officials.
With continued vigilance and cooperation, we can work to control the spread of the avian flu and protect both animal and human health.
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