Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Detected in U.S. Commercial Poultry Flocks
Highly pathogenic bird flu has made its first appearances in U.S. commercial poultry flocks this season, raising concerns of potential outbreaks. The outbreaks have affected one turkey farm in South Dakota and one in Utah, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The disease, which is deadly to commercial poultry, was confirmed in a flock of 47,300 turkeys in Jerauld County, South Dakota, on October 4 and in a farm with 141,800 birds in Utah’s Sanpete County last Friday.
This marks the first reported cases among commercial flocks since the disease struck two turkey farms in the Dakotas in April. Infected flocks are typically destroyed to prevent the spread of the flu, followed by decontamination of the farms.
While bird flu has been sporadically reported in backyard flocks or among wild birds such as ducks, geese, and eagles in recent months, last week’s outbreaks are the first among commercial flocks. Wild birds are of concern to the poultry industry as they can spread the disease to vulnerable commercial flocks, even if they show no symptoms of avian influenza.
South Dakota State Veterinarian Beth Thompson expressed concerns about future cases, stating, “I don’t doubt that we will have more cases… migration is just starting.” Last year, bird flu cost U.S. poultry producers nearly 59 million birds across 47 states, leading to spikes in egg and turkey prices and costing the government over $660 million.
Although bird flu infections in humans are rare and not considered a food safety risk, scientists worry that the virus could evolve to spread more easily among people as it spreads to other species. Cambodia recently reported its third human death from bird flu this year.
Agriculture officials view this year’s cases as part of last year’s outbreak, which reached the U.S. in February 2022 after spreading in Europe. The U.S. has imposed periodic restrictions on poultry imports from Europe to limit the potential for spread. Thompson noted that the virus never completely disappeared, unlike in 2015, and the circulating version is essentially the same as the one from last year.
Officials are urging bird owners to prioritize biosecurity practices to prevent further contraction of avian flu. Producers have already implemented strict biosecurity measures, but there is little more that can be done to keep the virus out of their flocks. Preventative measures primarily involve preventing the introduction of wild bird droppings into poultry barns.
This marks Utah’s first case this year, following last year’s impact on 16 turkey farms, one egg farm, and several backyard flocks. Similarly, South Dakota producers lost nearly 4 million birds last year. Iowa, the hardest-hit state with nearly 16 million birds lost, has not recorded a case since March.