Less than half as many recorded cases in 2023 compared to 2022.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a recent drop in cases of avian flu among wild birds, bringing some good news to American poultry farmers who have endured a two-year-long avian flu outbreak. The USDA recorded 2,600 cases of avian flu in wild birds in 2023, a significant drop compared to the 6,000 cases recorded in 2022.
Wild birds are often the source of agricultural avian flu outbreaks. Wild birds have mostly developed antibodies to fight off the virus, while domestic chicks have not. Once infected wild birds come into contact with farm-raised chicks, avian flu can spread rapidly, most recently causing spikes in poultry and egg prices during 2022.
“We’re finding less positive cases, so we believe that correlates to a lower prevalence across the population,” said Chief Veterinary Officer and Deputy Administrator of the Veterinary Services Rosemary Sifford. “It’s a positive development as long as we don’t become complacent.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Deputy Administrator Sifford as she heads the USDA’s Veterinary Services.
- For USDA officials as they monitor the health of farm animals.
- For wisdom for Secretary Tom Vilsack as he oversees the Department of Agriculture.
Sources: Reuters, US News
