Today, Explained Sickened chickens
Feb 2, 2023
Benji Jones, an environmental reporter at Vox, and Tom Philpott, a senior research associate at Johns Hopkins, dive into the alarming H5N1 avian flu outbreak affecting U.S. poultry. They discuss the drastic measures farmers are resorting to, as millions of birds perish. The conversation highlights the vulnerabilities of factory farming, particularly overcrowded conditions that worsen disease spread. They also emphasize the need for better farming practices and biosecurity measures to protect both the poultry industry and public health.
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Avian Flu Outbreak Scale
- The current H5N1 avian flu outbreak is impacting nearly 60 million birds, making it the largest in US history.
- This strain, first detected in China in the late 90s, spreads rapidly and has high mortality rates in poultry.
Avian Flu Symptoms
- Avian flu symptoms in birds include coughs, sneezes, diarrhea, and respiratory issues, similar to humans.
- The virus attacks their respiratory and digestive systems, often leading to rapid death.
Outbreak Timeline and Future
- The current avian flu outbreak began spreading in North America in late 2021 and early 2022.
- A potential flare-up is anticipated during the spring bird migration.
