Bird Flu Identified in Mississippi Poultry
Since January 2022, over 125 million instances of bird flu have been identified in the U.S., affecting wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks.
A commercial poultry breeder in Mississippi has reported positive tests for bird flu, as stated by state officials.
The MBAH indicated that the affected birds were “depopulated to prevent further spread,” and the area has since been quarantined.
According to the MBAH, the infected poultry did not enter the food supply, and there is no food safety risk related to bird flu when chicken and eggs are “handled and cooked properly.”
The CDC has confirmed that over 125 million cases of bird flu have been found in wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks since January 2022.
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On December 18, the CDC reported that a Louisiana resident became the first of the 61 recorded human cases since April to require hospitalization due to a severe case of bird flu.
Among the reported human bird flu cases, 34 occurred in California.
Governor Newsom stated that the goal of the proclamation was to allocate government resources for a swift response.
Bird flu was first identified in wild birds in South Carolina and California in 2022 and was reported in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas in March 2024, according to the governor’s announcement.
In August 2024, bird flu was discovered in dairy cows in central California, leading state public health authorities to take action.
“While the public remains at low risk, we will continue to implement all necessary measures to prevent the virus’s spread,” stated Newsom.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
