New Wave of HPAI Outbreaks Hits U.S. Poultry Flocks
In the first half of September, a new wave of avian influenza outbreaks was reported in the United States, primarily affecting commercial turkey flocks. Of the 12 detected outbreaks, 10 occurred in turkeys. The cases were recorded across four states: in North Dakota, two flocks totaling approximately 101,400 birds; in South Dakota, eight flocks, one of them backyard poultry, with a total of about 364,550 birds; in Minnesota, one flock of 25,000 birds; and in Montana, a backyard flock of 5,800 birds. Altogether, nearly half a million birds have been affected in this wave.
These events underscore that even after periods of relative calm, the virus continues to emerge and spread. The notion that the virus can be contained through biosecurity measures alone does not withstand practical reality. A broader and more integrated approach is required to effectively confront this ongoing challenge.
