Utah Eliminates Over 100,000 Turkeys Due to Bird Flu Outbreak
So far, fifty-five Americans have died from bird flu, including the first case in a child.
Utah recently culled a large number of turkeys after confirming highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) presence and is taking measures to prevent the infection from spreading, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture and Food.
“Between November 10 to 19, 2024, three turkey farms in Piute County totaling 107,800 turkeys and one backyard flock of 253 birds in Salt Lake County were confirmed positive for HPAI,” a Nov. 22 update from the agency stated.
Officials are currently conducting genetic sequencing of the strains in these outbreaks, it said.
“Though the overall risk to public health remains low, HPAI is a serious disease, requiring swift response, including depopulation of affected flocks as it is highly contagious and fatal to poultry,” the agency said.
“Affected birds were depopulated within 24 hours of diagnosis at each site to limit further disease spread. Overall impacts to the food supply are anticipated to be limited at this time.”
Authorities have decided on an on-site burial for disposing of the culled poultry at Piute County.
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All personnel at the site must wear personal protective equipment, and all equipment is disinfected to contain the virus within the area.
“Poultry owners should maintain strong biosecurity and monitor flocks for signs of illness, reporting any sick birds immediately to the State Veterinarian’s Office,” the agency said.
“Individuals in close contact with infected animals may have a higher risk of contracting HPAI/H5N1 and should take precautions, including using recommended personal protective equipment.”
The state experienced another outbreak last month, affecting over 1.85 million birds in Cache County. Currently, five poultry farms in Utah are under quarantine, as per the department.
The current HPAI outbreak in the United States began in February 2022. In the past 30 days, 47 flocks nationwide have been confirmed with infections, totaling 6.05 million birds, according to data from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Many cases are in California, with 25 flocks comprising more than 5.21 million birds. Additional infections have been reported in other states, including Arizona, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, South Dakota, and Illinois.
Avian Flu in Humans
There have been 55 confirmed avian flu cases among U.S. citizens, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
California reported most of the infections, with 29 cases, followed by Washington with 11 and Colorado with 10. Michigan had two cases, while Missouri, Oregon, and Texas each had one.
The primary source of exposure for these infections was cattle, accounting for 32 cases, while poultry was responsible for 21 incidents.
The agency stated in a Nov. 18 update that the immediate risk of avian flu to the general public is minimal. However, “people with exposure to infected animals are at higher risk of infection,” it remarked.
“All recent cases occurred in workers on affected farms. Available data indicate sporadic instances of animal-to-human spread. These farm workers experienced mild symptoms, many with eye redness or discharge (conjunctivitis),” it added.
The CDC also confirmed a case of bird flu in a child, the first in a minor. The child, from California, displayed mild symptoms and was recovering, according to a Nov. 22 update from the agency. No family members tested positive for the virus.
“To date, no person-to-person spread has been identified associated with any of the H5N1 bird flu cases reported in the United States,” the CDC emphasized.
Meanwhile, the first case of avian flu in a pig was confirmed recently by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The pig, from Oregon, had previously shared space with infected poultry. Officials euthanized five pigs on the property and put it under quarantine.
