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11/22/2024 10:10:08 am

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US Bird Flu Outbreak: What You Need To Know About The Worst-Ever Bird Flu Outbreak

A sign at the edge of an exclusion zone

(Photo : Reuters) A sign at the edge of an exclusion zone warns of the closure of a footpath after an outbreak of bird flu in the village of Upham in southern England February 3, 2015.

The spread of avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, was detected as early as mid-May. Since then, it has fast become the "worst bird flu outbreak in US history," according to The Silver Ink

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During the first month, a total of 30 million chickens and turkeys have died. Now the death toll has reached its 47 millionth bird and counting. Till now, however, there is still reportedly no guarantee how or when the current bird flu outbreak will end.

The Centers for Disease Control states that the bird flu virus has already been determined across 15 states.

"No human infections with these viruses have been detected at this time," according to the CDC.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI has infected US domestic poultry, including backyard and domestic birds, captive wild birds, and wild birds. In addition, 21 states have been contaminated, 15 of which include outbreaks in domestic or captive poultry and birds, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Despite the CDC determining no human infections at this time, there is still cause for concern, particularly in citizens' grocery bills, according to TIME.

Below are some facts about the worst outbreak of bird flu in recent times:

  • More than 47 million chickens and turkeys were killed after contracting the virus.
  • Domestic egg production will declined this year, making this the first time since the year 2008
  • Egg prices have soared, and in some cases, doubled. Prices are the forecasted to hit an all-time high in the fourth quarter of 2015, according to the USDA
  • Consumers are set to spend roughly around $8 billion extra on eggs this year.
  • Eggs would have to be imported from Europe soon.
  • A $410 million budget has been set by the U.S. government to battle the bird flu, and it reportedly appears not enough as more than $500 million will likely have to be spent.

Next month, the US Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing in lieu of Iowa lawmakers' criticism on the slow response of the US Agriculture Department to the worst bird flu outbreak in the United Staes, reported Reuters.

Kansas Republican Senator Pat Roberts, along with a committee chairman, will hold a testimony on USDA's response and funding on July 7,  according to spokeswoman Meghan Cline.

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