CHICAGO, Dec. 20 (Reuters) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported a decline in avian flu cases among wild birds, offering a glimmer of hope to the poultry industry that has been navigating a challenging two-year outbreak.
While the decreasing trend is encouraging, officials remain vigilant about the existing threats. They emphasize the importance of stringent biosecurity measures, urging farmers to uphold rigorous safety and sanitation protocols to safeguard their poultry stocks. The repercussions of the avian flu outbreak were felt deeply in 2022, with soaring infections pushing egg and turkey prices to record highs, amplifying concerns for consumers already grappling with inflation.
Rosemary Sifford, Chief Veterinary Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, elaborated on the current situation, stating, “It’s crucial that producers remain vigilant. While there’s a noticeable decrease in the viral presence in the environment, the risks persist.”
The avian flu, commonly referred to as bird flu, can be stealthily carried by wild birds during their migratory journeys, often without displaying any symptoms. This poses a potential risk to poultry populations, which can contract the disease through exposure to contaminated waste or direct interactions.
Recent data reveals a reduction in avian flu cases among wild birds in 2023, with approximately 2,600 reported cases, a significant drop from the nearly 6,000 cases documented in the previous year. Experts suggest that wild birds might have developed some immunity to the virus, a trend observed in parts of Europe as well. However, concerns linger regarding young chicks hatched in summer breeding areas, which join migratory movements and could reintroduce the virus to new regions.
Sifford commented on this aspect, noting, “These young chicks could be potential carriers. Their limited exposure means they haven’t developed any immunity yet.”
The toll of the avian flu outbreak has been substantial. Since its onset in 2022, the U.S. has witnessed the loss of approximately 76.9 million birds, encompassing chickens, turkeys, and other species. Notably, over 13 million of these losses were recorded in the past month alone.
While commercial poultry farms have reported an uptick in avian flu cases since October, there’s a glimmer of optimism. The declining trend in wild bird infections is believed to correlate with a broader reduction in the disease’s prevalence across the population, signaling a potential turning point in the battle against the avian flu outbreak. Sifford concluded, “The diminishing positive cases are a positive sign, but it’s imperative that we remain proactive and not let our guard down.”
