California man says two of his cats died after drinking raw milk recalled for bird flu

In the United States, a severe outbreak of bird flu has led to over 20 million egg-laying chickens perishing in just the last quarter, according to reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This marks the gravest impact on the nation's egg supply since the beginning of the outbreak in 2022 and has contributed to soaring egg prices. The strain of the virus affecting poultry has also transitioned into dairy herds, further complicating the situation and creating additional challenges for farmers across the country. In response to the deteriorating conditions, the USDA has been encouraging farmers to report infections swiftly, offering financial compensation for culled poultry to help incentivize prompt action. The department has allocated substantial resources, totaling approximately $1.25 billion since the start of the outbreak, to assist farmers affected by the avian flu. While the virus has wreaked havoc within the agricultural sector, the impact on human health has been relatively contained. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed only 66 human cases related to bird flu, with most being mild and not resulting in severe illness. Experts have been monitoring these cases closely to evaluate the potential for mutation that could lead to increased human-to-human transmission. Additionally, the USDA is exploring the possibility of vaccinating poultry against the virus to mitigate future outbreaks. This follows alarming reports of bird flu also affecting dairy cattle. Consequently, the spread of the virus has raised concerns about both animal and human health, necessitating continued vigilance and coordinated responses from health and agriculture agencies.