The bird flu outbreak that began in the US in early 2022 continues to spread, with new cases being reported in commercial poultry flocks and wild birds across the country.
As of May 18, 2023, bird flu has been confirmed in 44 states, with the majority of cases in commercial poultry flocks. In total, more than 49 million birds have been killed or depopulated due to the outbreak.
The bird flu virus is highly contagious and can kill birds quickly. It is also a threat to human health, although there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission in the US.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working with state and federal partners to monitor the outbreak and to take steps to control the spread of the virus. These steps include:
Testing birds for the virus
Quarantining infected flocks
Depopulating infected flocks
Increasing biosecurity measures on poultry farms
The USDA is also working to develop a vaccine for the bird flu virus. However, a vaccine is not yet available.
The bird flu outbreak is a major concern for the poultry industry and for public health. The USDA is working to control the spread of the virus, but it is important for people to take steps to protect themselves and their families from the virus. These steps include:
Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds
Washing your hands thoroughly after handling poultry or wild birds
Cooking poultry thoroughly
If you see a sick or dead bird, please report it to your state wildlife agency.
