Impact of Bird Flu on Poultry Farming

The recent outbreak of bird flu poses a significant threat to poultry farmers, particularly in the egg-laying sector. Small-scale farmers, such as Jim Hayes from Sapbush Hollow Farm, express grave concerns regarding pandemic-like repercussions on their operations, including the drastic measures that would be necessary if the disease infects their flocks. If disease reaches their flocks, state veterinary officers euthanize affected chickens to contain the outbreak, resulting in potential income losses of 30 to 35 percent for affected farmers. These challenges highlight the sense of urgency for farmers to maintain biosecurity measures to protect their hens from infection.