U.S.: Bird flu losses break record

A record 50.54 million birds in domestic flocks have died of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or were culled to prevent spread of the viral disease since February, according to USDA data. The previous record of approximately 50.4 million birds was set in the 2014-2015 outbreak that was described by the USDA as “arguably the most significant animal health event in U.S. history.”

The outbreaks have driven up egg and turkey meat prices. But supplies have remained adequate and trading partners have been restrained in their responses. Only five nations have banned imports of U.S. poultry products and seven have imposed bans on products from specific states. By comparison, in the 2014-15 outbreak, 17 trading partners banned U.S. poultry products and 38 imposed bans on products from particular states, said USDA analysts in mid-November. Europe also has grappled with widespread bird flu outbreaks this year.

Outbreaks were reported in 46 states so far this year, more than double the 21 states affected in 2014-15. The 2014-15 outbreaks died out during the summer of 2015. This year, outbreaks continued at a low level through the summer and picked up in the fall. In the past week, officials confirmed bird flu in six flocks, from Florida to Oregon and South Dakota, totaling 87,000 birds, mostly turkeys in South Dakota.

Tags: bird flu, highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, flocks, USDA, U.S., outbreak, birds, poultry products