The Ongoing Battle Against Avian Influenza in the U.S.

The plight of the poultry industry continues as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak brings devastating losses across the United States. As we enter the fourth year of this ongoing crisis, the toll has reached alarming heights, with nearly 190 million birds affected since the resurgence of the H5N1 strain.

Recent Data Highlights Severe Outbreak

Just this month, federal data indicates that 4.8 million birds from 58 different flocks have been impacted nationwide. The virus’s ability to infiltrate both egg-laying hens and broiler operations adds to the already grim statistics reported earlier this winter.

State-Level Impacts: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania remains one of the states significantly affected, with virus detection reported in flocks totaling 58,100 broilers and 722,100 table egg layers this February. These unfortunate figures are compounded by a major outbreak in late January that decimated more than 1.5 million egg-laying hens within the state.

Emerging Cases in Georgia

Georgia is facing its own challenges, with recent confirmations from Hart County involving approximately 40,000 commercial breeder birds. This marks the third major outbreak in the state within just one month. Earlier incidents in Walker County have collectively accounted for over 87,000 birds, bringing Georgia’s total count of affected birds to about 127,000 in recent weeks.

Looking Ahead: Industry Challenges Persist

As February progresses, the ongoing detections across multiple states highlight the persistent challenge faced by the poultry industry. Each fresh case adds to the staggering cumulative loss, reminding producers and consumers alike of the long-lasting impacts of this avian influenza outbreak.