Fears of a bird flu outbreak have returned after it has been reported a man in Texas fell ill from bird flu, after being around a sick cow infected with bird flu, the first-ever recorded instance of this happening, along with the largest egg producer in the United States temporarily shuttering operations; as health authorities and the mainstream media are warning this has the makings of being the “next pandemic.”
Yesterday Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., announced that roughly ‘1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, about 3.6% of its total flock, were destroyed after the infection, avian influenza, was found at the facility in Parmer County, Texas.’ This is the largest fresh egg producer in the U.S.
“The company continues to work closely with federal, state and local government officials and focused industry groups to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks and effectively manage the response,” the company said in their statement. “Cal-Maine Foods is working to secure production from other facilities to minimize disruption to its customers.”
The company claims there is no known avian flu risk with the current supply of eggs at stores, and no eggs have been recalled as of yet.
This is absolutely devastating news for Cal-Maine and the entire Panhandle region which has already suffered so much already. Given this latest development, all producers must practice heightened biosecurity measures. The rapid spread of this virus means we must act quickly.
The current risk to the public remains minimal. It is important for us as an industry to maintain a high level of vigilance. State and national agencies will continue to provide updated guidance as developments warrant.
Commissioner Sid Miller, Texas Department of Agriculture, said in a release.
This news comes just after another egg processing facility in Michigan was reportedly discovered to have a bird flu contamination. MLive reported: ‘A highly contagious deadly bird flu has been detected at Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, one of the nation’s top egg producers and the biggest poultry farm in Michigan. This is Michigan’s fourth commercial poultry farm to be infected since the highly pathogenic avian influenza started spreading in 2022.’
The outlet also noted: ‘Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, which confirmed the infection at Green Meadow Organics, did not disclose how many of their birds were affected. The generational family farm has a flock of 10 million birds across facilities in Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. They supply eggs to grocery stores across the Midwest and sold 56 million dozen eggs to McDonald’s in 2021.’
As the weather remains cool and wild birds continue their migration, conditions are ideal for the virus to thrive and spread. While these conditions persist, the need to take preventative measures will be high. Keeping HPAI out of Michigan’s domestic animals remains a team effort, and it must be a top priority for all.
State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in a statement.
Prior to this news, last week it was reported that a few cases of bird flu were detected in milk samples in different parts of the U.S., one man reportedly contracting the virus, the second time this has ever happened…
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