H7N9 Bird Flu Outbreak in the U.S.

Overview of the H7N9 Bird Flu Outbreak in the U.S.

This article covers:

• Details of the H7N9 bird flu outbreak in the U.S.
• Impact on poultry and food prices
• Comparisons with H5N1 bird flu strain
• Government response to the outbreak

The First Outbreak Since 2017

The United States has reported its first outbreak of the H7N9 bird flu on a poultry farm since 2017. This new development comes as the country is already dealing with another strain of bird flu that has affected humans and led to soaring egg prices.

Global Impact of Avian Influenza

Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, has significantly impacted poultry flocks worldwide, leading to supply disruptions and increasing food prices. The virus has spread to mammals, including dairy cows in the U.S., raising alarms about the possibility of a new pandemic.

Deadly Nature of H7N9

The H7N9 bird flu has shown a high fatality rate in humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), out of 1,568 people infected since its discovery in 2013, 616 have died, marking a 39% mortality rate. However, the WHO notes that this virus does not easily spread between people.

Details of the Outbreak

The latest outbreak in the U.S. was detected on a farm in Mississippi, which housed 47,654 commercial broiler breeder chickens. The outbreak was confirmed on March 13, as reported by the Paris-based World Animal Health Organisation.

Government Response

The U.S. faced challenges in its response to bird flu at the beginning of the Trump administration, with delays in coordination between federal and state authorities. Since then, efforts have resumed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has committed $1 billion to combat the spread of the virus.