By Jamie Martin
The U.S. is facing a growing avian flu outbreak, with new cases emerging in commercial poultry farms, backyard flocks, dairy cattle, and domestic cats.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported multiple new detections across seven states, raising concerns about the virus’s continued spread.
Ohio and Pennsylvania remain the hardest-hit states, with several commercial poultry farms reporting new infections. In addition, Missouri, Louisiana, Washington, and Connecticut have also confirmed cases in both large-scale farms and backyard flocks. New York’s live bird markets have seen increasing infections, leading to temporary closures in affected areas.
Since early 2022, the H5N1 outbreak has resulted in the loss of over 157.7 million birds across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Officials warn that with wild bird migration in full swing, poultry farms must take extra precautions to minimize exposure.
Beyond poultry, dairy cattle in California have been affected, with five new cases confirmed, bringing the national total to 962. Wild birds continue to suffer heavy losses, with over 50 newly detected cases, including waterfowl and birds of prey, across several states.
Domestic cats have also been impacted, with three new infections confirmed in California, Montana, and Oregon. In one case, a stray cat in California was euthanized after developing severe symptoms. The exact transmission route remains unclear, but experts advise pet owners to be cautious.
The avian flu outbreak continues to pose risks to farm animals, backyard flocks, and wildlife, with officials urging biosecurity measures to limit further spread. The coming months will be crucial in controlling the virus and minimizing losses in the agriculture sector.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National