November 8, 2024 | 00:40 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Sunday- 22:51, 26/11/2023

1.3 million chickens to be culled after bird flu detected at Ohio farm

(VAN) Over 1.3 million chickens are being killed on an Ohio farm to contain an outbreak of avian influenza, as first reported by The Associated Press.
screenshot_1700968065

According to the Centers for Disease Control, LPAI viruses cause mild or no disease and HPAI cause severe disease and high mortality rates in infected birds.

The US Department of Agriculture reported Tuesday that the flock is being slaughtered after the detection of a case of bird flu on the Union County egg farm.

Though the spread of the disease has been less severe this year, compared to 2022, 8.1 million birds have been killed on commercial poultry farms this year with flock in Ohio among 5.8 million being killed this month the AP reported.

This is the second farm to kill over 1 million birds this month as a Taylor County, Iowa egg farm killed 1.1 million birds. A Wright County, Minnesota farm also killed 940,000 birds this month.

Human cases of the disease remain rare, with one report of a person contracting the H5N1 strain of the virus in the U.S. since 2022, according to the CDC.

What is the bird flu? 

The bird flu, is disease caused by a family of flu viruses primarily transmitted between birds.

Avian influenza viruses, according to the CDC and USDA, are classified into two groups:

  • Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) (often seen in wild birds) 
  • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (found mostly in domestic poultry).

According to the Centers for Disease Control, LPAI viruses cause mild or no disease and HPAI cause severe disease and high mortality rates in infected birds.

The bird flu has cost the government roughly $660 million and in recent times raised the price of eggs and poultry. At least 65 million birds have been slaughtered since 2022 to limit the spread of the virus.

What are signs of bird flu?

Indications a bird may be infected with avian influenza include:

  • Loss of appetite, lethargy
  • Sudden death without prior symptoms
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Twisting of the head and neck
  • Purple discoloration to body parts including waddle and legs
  • Stumbling and falling
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nasal discharge
HD

(AP)

Regenerative agriculture- restoring soils for a healthier lifestyle

Regenerative agriculture- restoring soils for a healthier lifestyle

(VAN) According to Regeneration International, regenerative agriculture describes farming and grazing practices that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity...

Four ways Trump could impact the agriculture sector during second term

Four ways Trump could impact the agriculture sector during second term

(VAN) In a return to the White House, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to overturn climate regulations and deregulate the agriculture industry.

Cop16: the world’s largest meeting to save nature has ended with no clear path ahead

Cop16: the world’s largest meeting to save nature has ended with no clear path ahead

(VAN) Progress at the UN’s biodiversity summit, Cop16, in Cali, Colombia, has been slow. Frustratingly so.

Meeting the new demands of the EUDR

Meeting the new demands of the EUDR

(VAN) Sophisticated automation enables users to send hundreds of data collection requests with a single click.

Small farmers in Europe struggle to get by

Small farmers in Europe struggle to get by

(VAN) Brutal economic situation has inflicted misery on farmers who struggle to turn a profit and forced some to look for alternative streams of revenue.

China intensifies emergency food supply amid increasing extreme weather events

China intensifies emergency food supply amid increasing extreme weather events

China has reinforced its emergency food supply in response to increasing extreme weather events and natural disasters, an official said.

Scientists dismayed as UK ministers clear way for gene editing of crops - but not animals

Scientists dismayed as UK ministers clear way for gene editing of crops - but not animals

(VAN) Advocates urge government to allow ‘precision breeding’ to combat disease, but RSPCA warns of ethical dangers.

Read more