04 May 2024

H5N1 impacts U.S. poultry industry in April 2024

With 8.8 million birds affected, April was the month with the highest number of losses caused by H5N1 Avian Influenza in the United States so far this year, accumulating commercial and backyard outbreaks in four states.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has been a significant concern for the poultry industry worldwide. In the United States, recent outbreaks have led to substantial losses in poultry populations. Let’s delve into the details of the situation.

With 8.8 million birds affected, April was the month with the highest number of losses caused by H5N1 Avian Influenza in the United States so far this year, accumulating commercial and backyard outbreaks in four states. So far this year, poultry losses total more than 11 million birds, with Michigan being the most affected state with a share of 6.6 million specimens, all of them of a productive nature.

Overview:

  • Widespread in wild birds: H5N1 bird flu is prevalent among wild birds globally. These avian carriers play a crucial role in transmitting the virus to domestic poultry.
  • Outbreaks in poultry: The U.S. poultry industry has faced outbreaks of H5N1 in both commercial and backyard flocks. These outbreaks have resulted in significant economic losses.
  • Human case: In April 2024, a farm worker in the United States was infected with HPAI A (H5N1) virus. The exposure was attributed to presumptively infected dairy cattle. This case highlights the zoonotic potential of the virus.
  • No human-to-human transmission: Fortunately, no confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission of H5N1 have been reported. Most human cases are associated with direct exposure to infected birds or poultry.

Risk Assessment:

CDC’s Efforts:

The battle against avian influenza continues, with ongoing surveillance, preparedness efforts, and collaboration between health agencies and the poultry industry. As we navigate the challenges posed by H5N1, it is crucial to prioritize the health of both birds and humans. By staying informed and implementing preventive measures, we can mitigate the impact of avian influenza on our poultry industry and protect public health.

In summary, while the U.S. poultry industry faces challenges due to H5N1 outbreaks, the risk to human health remains low. Continued surveillance and preparedness efforts are vital to mitigate the impact of this avian influenza strain.

Continue after advertising.

Sources: Available upon request.

 

Related to Biosecurity

MAGAZINE AVINEWS INTERNATIONAL

Subscribe now to the poultry technical magazine

JOIN OUR POULTRY COMMUNITY

Access the PDF articles
Keep up to date with our newsletters
Receive the magazine for free in digital version

DISCOVER
AgriFM - The Livestock Sector Podcasts in English
agriCalendar - The events calendar of the agricultural worldagriCalendar
agrinewsCampus - Training courses for the livestock sector