First Case of Avian Flu Detected on U.S. Poultry Farm Since April

The United States has identified its initial case of avian flu on a commercial poultry farm since the month of April. This incident occurred in Jerauld County, South Dakota, where a flock of 47,300 turkeys tested positive, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

When avian flu infects a flock, it necessitates culling to prevent the virus from spreading further. If additional cases emerge, this may lead to a potential shortage of poultry meat and eggs.

Since the year 2022, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as avian flu, has led to the loss of 58.8 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds in the United States, as reported by the USDA. These losses resulted in record-high prices for turkey meat and eggs last year, impacting consumers facing inflationary pressures.

In response, farmers have been diligently working to rebuild their flocks, thereby increasing the supply.

Outbreak Reaches Commercial Egg Farm with One Million Chickens

An image illustrating "Bird Flu" test tubes and eggs from January 14, 2023. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

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Notably, Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the United States, disclosed that the average price of conventional eggs had declined by 48% from the previous year, now standing at $1.24 per dozen in the quarter ending on September 2. The company's total net sales witnessed a 30% decrease, amounting to $459.3 million in that quarter.

"HPAI continues to persist within the wild bird population, and the potential for future outbreaks, especially during the upcoming fall migration season, remains unpredictable," cautioned Cal-Maine. The virus can be transmitted by wild birds, such as ducks.

Before the recent outbreak this week, the USDA records indicated that infections in the United States were primarily limited to live bird markets and "non-poultry" birds since April. The last known commercial farms infected in April were involved in turkey farming in South Dakota and North Dakota, as per the records.