Battle against bird flu ramping up

Battle against bird flu ramping up

Battle against bird flu ramping up

America’s bird flu crisis shows no signs of slowing down. There have been new cases just this month emerging in nearly 25 states, and for the first time in Philadelphia.

Health officials there are warning people to keep an eye out for sick wild birds and stay away from them.

On New York’s Long Island, people were in hazmat suits on the ground at Crescent Duck Farm this week following confirmed detection of H5N1 or bird flu. The family-run business was forced to kill its entire flock of nearly 100,000 ducks. This is something the Thomases in Illinois also had to do with their nearly 3,000 hens.

“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions. We just know that we have no control, and we are just making the next best choice for our family and our farm,” said Marikate Thomas.

The fallout is being felt at grocery stores where shoppers are finding empty shelves and higher prices.

The cost of a dozen eggs surging 65% from a year ago. These eggs went up to $10, $9, $11. Like what is going on in this world? Since the outbreak started in 2022, the avian flu has impacted more than 135 million birds and now a growing number of other species, including skunks, bears and cats.

There have been more than two dozen cases in cats since early December.

How are cats contracting the bird flu?

“One could be from a raw diet, one could be from if they’re an indoor-outdoor cat and they’re interacting with wildlife,” said Dr. Evan Antin.

Health agencies now encouraging pet owners to keep cats inside. The FDA also calling for caution from pet food manufacturers, urging them to take processing steps such as heat treatment that are capable of inactivating viruses. This is a very serious virus and it’s a very fast-acting disease.