Avian Flu Hits Keep Coming

Cindy Zimmermanavian flu, Chicken, Eggs, Poultry, Turkey

ai-updateActual confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) now stand at 133 nationwide, impacting nearly 26 million birds in 13 states according to the latest update from USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Another 11 cases were added to the growing list on Wednesday, most in the hardest hit states of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, but also a backyard operation in Missouri, only the third case in that state – the first two were discovered in turkey operations in March.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture added another six probable cases to the list in the largest egg producing state, bringing the total to 34. Only 22 of those have so far been confirmed by APHIS, but that involves nearly 20 million birds, by far the most of any state.

The Office of Management and Budget this week authorized another $330 million in emergency funding to help producers cope with the disease, added to the $99 million already spent on the HPAI outbreak so far.