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Avian Flu is Threatening Our Physical and Economic Wellbeing

Milking cows by automatic industrial milking rotary system in modern diary farm.

As Avian Flu (bird flu) spreads in animals and humans, it increasingly threatens our physical, economic and ecological health. The virus has infected an increasing number of wild birds and mammal species with relative ease. In late 2022 the virus began to decimate poultry farms, causing egg and turkey prices to soar. The US alone has seen 1,400 outbreaks in poultry flocks in every state, impacting over 133 million birds.

Last year, Avian flu outbreaks were seen in dairy farms for the first time, leading health officials to begin testing for the virus in milk. Testing revealed high levels of the live virus in raw milk in samples from across the country. This dairy farms and prompted recalls of raw milk and cream products. Nearly a dozen pet cats died as the result of drinking Raw Farms milk, which was recalled for Avian flu contamination. Pasteurized milk which accounts for the vast majority of milk sold in stores, remains safe for consumption, according to the USDA and FDA.

The outbreaks in poultry farms have drastically reduced populations of egg-laying hens in recent weeks. The virus caused the death of nearly 40 million egg-laying hens in 12 states last year, and 43% of these deaths happened in November and December. As a result the supply of eggs has dwindled, contributing to record-high prices.

 The virus has infected a rising number of humans. Most cases so far have been among farmworkers or people with exposure to infected animals. At least 66 human infections have been confirmed in the US, although experts say the true number is likely much higher because testing has been so limited. The first human death from the virus was confirmed last week in Louisiana. The person was infected when exposed to dead bird in their backyard.

On January 10, health officials announced California’s second Avian flu case involving a child. The patient experienced a fever as well as conjunctivitis but has not required hospitalization. The source of their exposure is currently unknown. If confirmed, it would be the state’s 38th recorded case and the its second without a known source of exposure.

The immediate risk to the general public remains low. At the same time, experts in virology and infectious disease warn that if continue to let the virus spread uncontrolled, we risk a human pandemic in the foreseeable future.

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