High-Path Avian Flu Hits Poultry In 6 States

Over the past week, highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks have been reported in poultry in six states, including three hit by more outbreaks in commercial facilities, according to the latest updates from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Regarding the outbreaks in commercial settings, Minnesota reported another outbreak at a turkey farm in Otter Tail County that houses 28,200 birds, and Tennessee reported that the virus hit a broiler farm housing 20,900 birds in Bledsoe County. Also, New York reported an outbreak at a live-bird sales and slaughter facility in Queens County that had 170 birds.

Meanwhile, other states reported more outbreaks in backyard birds, including Florida (Hillsborough, Seminole, and Duval counties), Mississippi (Lowndes County), and Michigan (Lapeer County).

The year 2015 was just before a national election – which have major influences on policy paths, administration goals, and how farmers feel about their future.