Approximately 1 million chickens were culled in the USA due to bird flu

Approximately 1 million chickens were culled due to bird flu in an egg farm in Illinois, USA.

The US Department of Agriculture confirmed that 934,600 birds were affected by the outbreak at a commercial laying hen operation in Clinton County.

According to information given by local officials to KSDK television, the outbreak was seen at Rose Acre Farms near Germantown. The company states on its website that it is the second largest egg producer in the USA.

There is no treatment for highly pathogenic bird flu. Authorities are culling infected and exposed birds to prevent the spread of the virus.

Risk of contraction in egg supply

The loss of approximately 1 million laying hens could lead to disruptions in production and reduced supply. Taking time to rebuild flocks may reduce the amount of eggs reaching markets, driving up prices.

The case in Illinois has surpassed other active cases in the United States in terms of size. According to ministry data, the number of affected birds statewide in Minnesota, which ranks second, was 168 thousand 880.

More than 210 million birds have died or been culled to date due to the bird flu epidemic that started in February 2022 in the USA.

Cases increase during migration periods

Cases of bird flu often increase in the fall and spring, when migratory wild birds can carry the virus to domestic birds.

The virus can spread through contaminated surfaces and materials, as well as through contact with infected birds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said it continues to monitor the disease in commercial enterprises, small-scale flocks and wild birds.

The institution called on poultry breeders to strengthen biosecurity measures. It was requested to reduce contact with wild animals and prevent the transfer of the virus between businesses.