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Tag: Flu

  • Eggs Might Be Expensive for a Long Time: Bird Flu, Changing Tastes


    I wish I had good news about eggs, but alas, I do not. Egg prices are soaring again as the bird flu sweeps the US for the third straight year, cutting into supply. On the other side of the equation, seasonal factors have pushed demand up (all that holiday baking and cold winter weather makes people into egg-heads), and consumers have been buying eggs more than normal for the past couple of years. Those conditions aren’t changing anytime soon, especially on the supply side. If I’m searching for a silver lining here, I guess it’s that once you scare yourself enough about the potential implications of the bird flu for humans, you’re not so worried about the price of eggs. But for now we’ll focus on egg prices and the bad news on that front: Supercheap eggs are not on the horizon.

    If there’s a single product that epitomizes what consumers hate about high prices nowadays, it’s eggs. People buy them regularly and therefore know their exact cost. They’re ingredients in a lot of foods. And if you’re looking for a protein source, they’re one of the healthier alternatives out there that won’t break the bank. Except they’re not so inexpensive anymore.

    The cost of a dozen grade-A large eggs hit $4.15 in December, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, up from $2.51 a year ago. The average price of eggs hasn’t been below $3 since June, and it hasn’t been below $2 since the start of 2022. Wholesale prices paid by entities such as restaurants, grocery stores, and schools are much steeper: According to the global commodities tracker Expana, wholesale Midwest large eggs are $7.27 a dozen; the five-year average is $2.10. There’s a lot of variation depending on where you live and where you shop — eggs can be a loss leader, meaning grocery stores discount them to get people in the door, and big-box stores in particular price them quite low. Citing data from Circana, Expana said the average cost of large eggs among smaller retailers was $5.31 a dozen. They’re probably cheaper at Walmart and Costco. If you’re in a state with laws about cage-free eggs, you might see higher prices than you would in a state without them. No one knows when prices will come back down. This interminable bird flu might not be an aberration, and other factors, such as the push to move toward cage-free eggs, may keep prices up, too. The acute causes of this price spike — a drop in supply, a jump in demand — point to long-term structural issues that might stick around.

    “We are all in uncharted territory,” said Brian Moscogiuri, a global trade strategist at Eggs Unlimited, a California-based egg supplier. He added that the industry had lost 26 million birds since October, more than 7% of the total flock. “It seems as bad as it has ever been,” he said, “and the producers don’t really have a recourse.”

    In other words, there’s not much relief in sight.

    “It seems highly unlikely we’ll see a $2 egg market anytime soon,” said Karyn Rispoli, a managing editor for eggs in the Americas at Expana. “There’s no way for sure to say this is going to go on in perpetuity, but in the near term there doesn’t appear to be any resolution.”

    The bird flu — or, as it’s formally called, highly pathogenic avian influenza — is not new. A bird-flu outbreak in the US in 2015 led to a spike in the prices of eggs. But that bout of illness lasted only a season; it showed up during a migration period, as wild birds moved across the US, so it hit in the spring and died out in the summer. The problem with the current iteration is that it’s not going away. It’s continuing to spread, in birds and elsewhere — in dairy cows, in cats, and in people.

    We are all in uncharted territory.

    “By any metric, you look at animal epizootics, basically animal-based-pandemics, this is the largest one we’ve ever had,” said Maurice Pitesky, an associate professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine who focuses on highly pathogenic avian influenza and disease modeling. “It’s in the environment. We see it in dairy lagoons. We see it in human wastewater. So it’s ubiquitous at this point.”

    Typically chickens pick up the bird flu from waterfowl — think ducks and geese. But now they’re getting it from a lot of sources. Sick cows can get the chickens sick because of shared equipment. An infected turkey farm up the road can infect a chicken farm as the airborne pathogen spreads in strong winds. Because it’s been dealing with the issue for so long, the poultry industry is better prepared for a bird-flu outbreak than, say, the dairy industry, but there’s only so much egg farmers can do to prevent it.

    “US egg farms have the most stringent and comprehensive biosecurity of any poultry farms on the planet,” Emily Metz, the president and CEO of the American Egg Board, a nonprofit that promotes and markets eggs, said in an email. “Unfortunately, even the best biosecurity isn’t foolproof.”

    Once one chicken tests positive for the bird flu, the entire flock has to be culled (as in killed). Some farms have been wiped out several times over the past few years, and so many places have been affected that repopulation — getting new chickens to get the farms up and running again — is increasingly difficult. Given the scale, there’s not a clear playbook for turning things around.

    “Not only are we worse off now than we were three years ago, but I have not heard from any state or federal agency what the ‘plan’ is other than they keep doing the same exact thing,” Pitesky said.

    After an outbreak, producers get indemnification from the government, meaning they’re paid back for their losses so they don’t go out of business. They quarantine and clean and disinfect. And then everyone waits to see if they’re hit again.

    Related stories

    “Those are all good things, but those are after-the-fact things,” Pitesky said. “We don’t have anything that’s really been employed that tells people — almost like a red light, green light — here’s where we’re having outbreaks, here’s where we think the virus is moving next.”

    There is no single answer for why this bout of bird flu is so bad. It’s partly a development issue and partly a climate-change issue. Some of it is that this strain appears to be more infectious than others, and in many more species. States such as California have lost most of their natural wetlands, meaning waterfowl are using different habitats closer to farms than in the past, which is more conducive to disease transmission. Migration patterns are changing. This all means there’s no single solution or way to be sure it won’t just keep happening.

    “The thing is there really isn’t another silver bullet that can be implemented to potentially stop it,” Moscogiuri said.

    Meghan Davis, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who studies environmental epidemiology, said some changes were making animals more susceptible to the virus as well. They may be more stressed because of climate change and resource availability, which could exacerbate their vulnerability. And then there’s just the way we farm — animals packed together in giant facilities stacked on top of one another.

    As for solutions, better surveilling and tracking of where the virus is headed is an important start. “You can literally rank and triage where you need to harden and improve your husbandry and biosecurity by doing that,” Pitesky said. “That’s a very scalable solution.”

    A lot of these investments — in tracking, surveillance, improving biosecurity, implementing rodent control for pests that may carry the bird flu, hiring more workers, and more — cost money, though, and can be a tough sell for farmers who are already hurting and may not want to pony up. And if they do, well, that increased cost is going to show up in your egg prices.

    Sometimes vaccines can actually mask things and make things worse down the road.

    Moscogiuri said he wasn’t sure producers had much recourse besides hoping a vaccine is approved for mass use for poultry in the US, but even that’s complicated. Which birds are we talking about? Egg-laying chickens? Turkeys? Others? What if they need boosters, or the virus mutates, or the animals still get the virus?

    Related stories

    “Sometimes vaccines can actually mask things and make things worse down the road as opposed to identifying which animals are diseased, depopulating them, and preventing further disease transmission,” Pitesky said.

    There are also trade issues, particularly for chickens exported for consumption, which are called broilers. Some countries don’t want to import vaccinated birds because they worry that vaccines make the virus harder to detect.

    “We have a lot of trade agreements that can be impacted if a country can’t differentiate infected from vaccinated animals,” Davis said.

    Beyond the fight against the bird flu, plenty of other factors are helping push prices to this uncomfortable level. A not-insignificant part is on the demand side, which might mean some relief is ahead. The holidays are always a big time for eggs because of all that holiday baking. Cold winter months can lead to higher demand, because when bad weather hits and people panic-buy, they grab eggs. And then comes Easter, which is also egg-heavy.

    Demand usually cools off in the summer, which is good to know, but it may not be enough to help with prices. Metz, from the Egg Board, said the volume of eggs sold in stores had been up year over year for 22 consecutive months. American consumers seem to have been heavy on eggs for a while now. Even at higher prices, eggs are still a budget-friendly option for protein, especially in the recent inflationary environment. They’re also viewed as nutritional, so if you’re on a health kick (and not a vegan), you might be incorporating eggs into your diet more than you used to.

    To put it plainly, it’s expensive to be nicer to chickens.

    Metz emphasized that the industry had seen four years of “extraordinary circumstances,” including the pandemic and accompanying supply-chain challenges, high inflation, and the bird flu. “While no one can predict the future, egg prices are anything but static,” she said, adding that none of these factors was permanent.

    There are some non-bird-flu supply factors that could make higher egg prices sticky, too. A push to require eggs sold in certain states to come from cage-free chickens is contributing to increased prices in those places. California and Massachusetts, for example, have had cage-free laws in place for a few years, and such rules just went live in Colorado and Michigan. To put it plainly, it’s expensive to be nicer to chickens.

    “Large eggs on the West Coast right now are $8.86, and that’s because California and the Pacific Northwest mandates cage-free eggs on shelves,” Rispoli said, adding that bird flu was exacerbating the issue. “Any state where cage-free supplies are mandated are going to face additional challenges just because of the amount of cage-free production that’s been lost to the bird flu,” she said.

    If you’re annoyed by the price of eggs, you’re not alone — a lot of people are. Inflation and persistently high prices have made grocery shopping an ever more frustrating experience, and looking at the price tag on a carton of eggs is like a mini punch in the stomach every time. Eggs are a commodity, meaning the price is always going to bounce. But given the broader context, the overall trend might be upward to a not-so-eggcellent extent.

    Emily Stewart is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, writing about business and the economy.





    Eggs Might Be Expensive for a Long Time: Bird Flu, Changing Tastes

    In recent months, the price of eggs has been steadily increasing due to a combination of factors, including the outbreak of bird flu and changing consumer preferences. The bird flu outbreak has resulted in significant reductions in egg production, leading to a decrease in supply and an increase in prices.

    Additionally, changing consumer tastes and dietary preferences have also played a role in the rising cost of eggs. As more people opt for plant-based alternatives and egg substitutes, the demand for traditional eggs has decreased, further impacting the market.

    With these factors in play, it is likely that eggs will remain expensive for the foreseeable future. Consumers may need to adjust their shopping habits and consider alternative sources of protein to offset the rising cost of eggs.

    In conclusion, the combination of bird flu outbreaks and changing consumer preferences is causing eggs to become more expensive. It is important for consumers to be aware of these factors and make informed choices when purchasing eggs in the future.

    Tags:

    1. Eggs price increase
    2. Bird flu impact on egg prices
    3. Changing consumer preferences for eggs
    4. Poultry industry challenges
    5. Egg shortage concerns
    6. Rising cost of eggs
    7. Impact of bird flu on egg production
    8. Egg market trends
    9. Food industry news
    10. Economic impact of bird flu on egg industry

    #Eggs #Expensive #Long #Time #Bird #Flu #Changing #Tastes

  • Long Island farm forced to euthanize more than 100,000 ducks after bird flu detected


    A commercial poultry farm on Long Island, New York, is being forced to kill thousands of ducks after health officials detected cases of bird flu.

    The owner of Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue — about 66 miles west of New York City — reportedly first saw signs that his flock was ill last week, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health. Tests confirmed the detection of bird flu on Jan. 17.

    The farm, which is the last commercial duck farm on Long Island, was forced to cease operations and begin the process of euthanizing its entire flock of more than 100,000 ducks, according to ABC-owned station WABC. The process will reportedly take a little over a week.

    “Unfortunately, when you have a situation like this where you have a flock that’s infected, the remedy is to put the entire flock down,” Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott told WABC.

    As of Friday, no farm workers were reported ill and health officials have begun interviewing potentially exposed workers as well as providing testing and preventive medications to high-risk individuals, according to the release from the health department. Pigott told WABC the medications include Tamiflu and Tamivir.

    In this undated stock photo, ducks are seen standing in a farm.

    STOCK PHOTO/Adobe

    The health department said it is also providing education to the farm owner on preventative measures such as proper hand hygiene and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

    “The risk to public health is minimal as the virus at this point is not transmissible among humans,” Pigott said in a statement. “A full investigation is underway because there is some potential for transmission of the H5N1 bird flu from the infected birds to individual farm workers who had high-risk exposures.”

    SCDH did not immediately reply to ABC News’ request for comment. ABC News left a message requesting comment with Crescent Duck Farm.

    Bird flu, or avian influenza, has been causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the U.S. with recent human cases among poultry and dairy workers.

    Human cases have been diagnosed across the country since April 2024, with 67 confirmed in 10 states so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Thursday, no human cases have been reported in New York.

    Most human cases have been mild with patients fully recovering. So far, just one death has been recorded in Louisiana in a patient over age 65 who had underlying medical conditions.

    The CDC and other public health officials say there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission and the risk to the general public is low.



    Recently, a devastating situation unfolded at a Long Island farm as more than 100,000 ducks had to be euthanized after the detection of bird flu. This heartbreaking decision was made to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus and protect other livestock on the farm.

    The farm, located in Suffolk County, had been monitoring the health of their ducks closely when several started showing symptoms of avian influenza. Testing confirmed the presence of the virus, prompting swift action to prevent further spread.

    The loss of so many animals is a devastating blow to the farm and its workers. It serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of disease outbreaks in livestock. The farm is now working closely with authorities to ensure proper containment and biosecurity measures are in place to prevent future outbreaks.

    Our thoughts are with the farmers and workers who are dealing with this difficult situation. Let us all come together to support them during this challenging time.

    Tags:

    1. Long Island farm
    2. bird flu outbreak
    3. duck euthanization
    4. poultry industry news
    5. animal disease control
    6. Long Island agriculture
    7. avian influenza containment
    8. duck farm crisis
    9. bird flu prevention measures
    10. duck population control

    #Long #Island #farm #forced #euthanize #ducks #bird #flu #detected

  • ‘Bird flu’ outbreak shutters Long Island’s last duck farm, as culling of 99,000 birds is underway


    An outbreak of avian influenza at Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue has forced the farm to cease operations and begin to euthanize its entire flock, jeopardizing the future of Long Island’s last remaining duck farm.

    The presence of the virus, which is highly contagious and deadly among domestic poultry, was confirmed by lab tests late Thursday, Crescent Duck Farm President Doug Corwin said in an interview this morning. 

    The farm began euthanizing its inventory, which Corwin said numbered just over 99,000 birds, over the weekend. The culling process is ongoing, with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on-site. A quarantine is in place, with strict biosecurity measures in place, including restricted access, to ensure that the virus remains contained, Corwin said. 

    Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, an influenza type A virus, is carried by wild birds, which can be infected with the virus but show no signs of illness, according to USDA. Wild  birds can carry the disease to new areas when migrating, potentially exposing domestic poultry to the virus. There is currently no treatment for the virus, which can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days.  For that reason, euthanizing flocks is generally the only way to ensure containment and protect other birds. 

    Avian influenza A viruses rarely infect people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which considers risk to the general public low. People who have job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds are at higher risk of infection, the CDC says. The virus is not known to be transmissible among humans. 

    No one at Crescent Duck Farm is known to have contracted the virus, Corwin said. Everyone is being monitored. 

    The Suffolk County Health Department said in a statement late yesterday that the “county is working with state agencies to ensure public health and safety. There is minimal risk to public health.”

    The current U.S. outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, an influenza type A virus, began in February 2022 and has affected nearly 139 million birds across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, including 652 commercial folks and 779 backyard flocks, according to the most recent data published by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

    Future of Long Island’s last duck farm is uncertain

    Doug Corwin surrounded by 4-day-old ducklings on his family’s Aquebogue duck farm, Long Island’s last. RiverheadLOCAL/ Denise Civiletti (2020 file photo)

    Corwin said the outbreak at his family’s farm leaves its future up in the air. After culling operations are completed, which will take about a week, a massive cleanup will be undertaken.

    “I’ve got to get all these facilities totally washed out, totally disinfected, totally scrubbed. Then APHIS comes back and swabs everything to make sure there’s no viral particles in all of the barns, then at that point in time, the quarantine would be lifted,” Corwin said.  “It’s going to be a two, three month process,” he said. “It’s a huge, huge task.”

    “Does it mean I’m going to start up again? I’ve got a lot of hurdles to overcome to start up again,” Corwin said. “You don’t snap your fingers and — you have to realize that the reason that I’m in business is my genetics are so different from my competition that I’ve got tremendous demand in the restaurant trade,” he said.

    Corwin, a fourth-generation co-owner of the family duck farm, has worked in the business since he graduated from college. Crescent Duck Farm, in operation since 1908, has over the past 70 or 80 years, “developed a meatier bird that has enough skin fat to make it really, really succulent when you cook it, without making it overly fatty.” For that reason, it’s the duck of choice among the “white-tablecloth trade” to which his business caters. That selective breeding is “what’s kept us in business,” Corwin said.

    The state is working with Crescent Duck Farm to try to preserve the genetic material the Corwins developed over the span of decades. Corwin said it’s possible the eggs he’s got from prior to the outbreak will meet testing requirements and can be hatched at another hatchery. That remains to be seen, he said. 

    “I normally keep 7,000 or so females laying eggs,” he said. “Hopefully there’s enough genetic diversity there” to make starting from scratch successful.

    “That might be the basis of being able to start up again —might, might,” Corwin said.  “I can’t say that yet because — I’m talking like a year or two down the road,” he said.  

    Females don’t lay eggs until they’re six months old. First the eggs must be hatched, which takes time, then the birds have to grow, and the farm would have to build up its population.  

    “You’ve got to realize I’ve got a huge overhead here,” Corwin said. “This isn’t a little farm stand type operation. It’s not like I can go to Agway and buy some seed,” he said. 

    “There’s a huge amount of pride in what we’ve developed and grown here,” Corwin said. “We sell to the best of the best purveyors. We sell to the best of the best restaurants.”

    But it’s a very complicated business. “The only reason I’m in it is because I was born in it. I got a good education. I loved it. I still love it. This is my life,” Corwin, now 66, said. 

    “Now we employ 75 people, of which at least 46 or 47are laid off at this point in time,” he said. Nearly all of them are long-time employees. “People stay here, families stay here with me,” he said. 

    The past several days have taken a toll. “The tears… I couldn’t walk through this place in the last week without crying,” after telling his workers what was going on. “As soon as I got the  diagnosis, I talked to everybody. I knew what this thing was. It was like Covid for ducks. Everything ended.”

    If Crescent Duck Farm has a future, it will be in the hands of the next generation, he said. “But it’s a big nut,” he said. They’re going to have to decide and if they really want it, “I will do my best to support them and make sure it happens for them,” Corwin said.

    “It would be a one- to two-year fight to get going again.” 

    Corwin said the farm has “phenomenal community support” government support too.  “I’ve always tried to do the right thing in life,” he said. “We put $5 million in capital investment building a waste treatment plant here. That’s huge. We get nitrogen levels well below drinking water quality,” Corwin said. 

    “I hate to throw it away,” he said, recalling the sadness he felt watching dozens of other duck farms go out of business.

    Duck farming along the Peconic River and its creeks and tributaries began in Riverhead  in the late 19th Century. It became a major sector of the agricultural industry on Long Island, where 100 duck farms once flourished. The region became famous for the Pekin ducks grown here.

    “I always wanted to die a duck farmer and I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do that at this point,” Corwin said. 

    “Right now I’ve gotta get through this, one step at a time, one day at a time,” he said. He realizes the legacy not just of the family farm, but of the legacy of duck farming in the entire region is on the line. 

    “This is iconic,” Corwin said. “I don’t really want the only Long Island ducks to be baseball players.”

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    The recent outbreak of bird flu has forced the closure of Long Island’s last remaining duck farm as the culling of 99,000 birds is currently underway. This devastating news has rocked the local community and raised concerns about the future of the poultry industry in the area.

    The outbreak, which was confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture, has prompted officials to take swift action to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus. The affected farm, located in Suffolk County, has been ordered to euthanize all of its ducks in an effort to contain the outbreak and protect other poultry farms in the region.

    This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat that diseases like bird flu pose to the agriculture industry. The closure of Long Island’s last duck farm will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the local economy and the livelihoods of those who rely on the farm for their income.

    As the culling of the birds continues, authorities are urging poultry farmers and residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. It is a challenging time for the community, but with proper measures in place, hopefully, the outbreak can be contained and the industry can eventually recover.

    Tags:

    Bird flu outbreak, Long Island duck farm, culling of birds, avian influenza, poultry industry, animal disease, public health concern

    #Bird #flu #outbreak #shutters #Long #Islands #duck #farm #culling #birds #underway

  • 100,000 Ducks to Be Killed After Bird Flu Strikes Long Island Farm


    Long Island duck is a delicacy savored across the country for its mild flavor and tender meat. But its future has been cast into doubt after the last duck farm on the island was quarantined for an outbreak of bird flu.

    The farm, Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, N.Y., must now kill its entire flock of almost 100,000 ducks and may go out of business, its owner said in an interview. The highly infectious virus, H5NI avian flu, was detected last week.

    The Suffolk County Health Department said that the farm was under quarantine and that state and federal agriculture officials were on site to conduct “depopulating, cleaning and disinfection activities” at the facility, which supplies ducks to many restaurants in New York City and elsewhere. Similar outbreaks have led to the culling of herds and flocks in more than a dozen states.

    Doug Corwin, who is part of the fourth generation of his family to operate Crescent Duck Farm, which has been open since 1908, said on Thursday that the future of his business was uncertain.

    “I have done this all my life, and we are the last of this industry,” he said. “It is gut-wrenching. You work your whole life for something, and then one day everything is gone.”

    Health officials said the risk to humans remained low. “The virus at this point is not transmissible among humans,” Dr. Gregson Pigott, the Suffolk County health commissioner, said in a statement.

    But he said that transmission could be possible between infected birds and farm workers who had been exposed to them, and an investigation was underway.

    There have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the United States since last year and one confirmed death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak has caused growing concern across the country and led California to declare a state of emergency last month over outbreaks that affected hundreds of cattle herds.

    Health officials did not publicly identify Mr. Corwin’s farm as the site of the outbreak, news of which was previously reported by RiverheadLocal, a Suffolk County news site.

    Duck farming was once a pillar of the economy on Long Island, especially in the more rural eastern stretches of Suffolk.

    In 1940, there were 90 duck farms in the towns of Brookhaven, Southampton and Riverhead, according to a historical study published by the Suffolk County Department of Planning. But today there is only Crescent.

    The process of culling the birds, disinfecting the facility and lifting the quarantine on the farm could take two to three months, Mr. Corwin said.

    He added that the one “glimmer of hope we have, that hopefully keeps us going,” is that the government agreed not to destroy several thousand eggs, which might enable him to revive his flock in the future.

    But he had not decided whether to take that route.

    “I am not 100 percent certain I want to go through that unless the U.S.D.A. approves a vaccine for this virus,” he said. “I don’t want to go through all of this again.”

    A local hatchery has agreed to try to hatch the eggs, which may allow the farm to keep its genetic strain of delicious ducks, with an optimal meat-to-fat ratio, alive long enough to restart the business.

    The farm produces 3.5 percent of all the ducks sold in the United States. It supplies restaurants in a number of cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Boston.

    “The reason I am in still in business is my genetics, and if I can’t preserve my genetics, then I am worthless as far as duck farming goes,” Mr. Corwin said. “My customers are people who use multiple ducks a night — chefs who use duck after duck after duck.”

    The outbreak has forced Mr. Corwin to lay off at least 45 of his roughly 75 employees. He said he was still shocked that his flock had become infected.

    “This has spread like wildfire here,” said Mr. Corwin. “I am 66. My great-grandfather started this business. I have seen a lot of things in my years, but I haven’t seen anything like this.”



    Recently, a devastating outbreak of bird flu has struck a farm on Long Island, leading to the tragic decision to cull 100,000 ducks in an effort to contain the disease. This heartbreaking news has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the impact of the outbreak on both the local economy and the welfare of the animals involved.

    The farm, located in Suffolk County, has been placed under quarantine as authorities work to prevent the spread of the virus to other farms in the area. The decision to cull such a large number of ducks was made in order to protect public health and prevent further outbreaks of the virus.

    The owners of the farm have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their animals, many of whom were beloved members of their flock. They have vowed to take all necessary precautions to prevent future outbreaks and ensure the safety of their remaining animals.

    As the community mourns the loss of these ducks, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that outbreaks of infectious diseases can have on both animals and humans. It is a somber moment for all involved, and our thoughts are with the farmers and their animals during this difficult time.

    Tags:

    1. Long Island bird flu outbreak
    2. Duck culling on Long Island
    3. Avian influenza on Long Island farm
    4. Bird flu crisis on Long Island
    5. Duck euthanization due to avian flu
    6. Long Island farm bird flu response
    7. 100,000 ducks to be culled on Long Island
    8. Avian flu outbreak in Long Island
    9. Long Island farm bird flu update
    10. Duck culling plan on Long Island farm

    #Ducks #Killed #Bird #Flu #Strikes #Long #Island #Farm

  • Moderna awarded $590M to help accelerate development of mRNA-based bird flu vaccine: HHS


    Moderna has been awarded approximately $590 million from the federal government to help speed up the development of an mRNA-based bird flu vaccine, alongside other influenza vaccines, health officials announced Friday.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said in a press release that the funding will allow the pharmaceutical company to accelerate the development of an H5N1 mRNA influenza vaccine “that is well matched to strains currently circulating in cows and birds and expands the clinical data supporting the use of mRNA vaccines that may be needed if other influenza strains emerge with pandemic potential.”

    Moderna said the funding will support the expansion of clinical studies “for up to five additional subtypes of pandemic influenza.”

    The U.S. government previously awarded the vaccine manufacturer $176 million in July 2024 to help expedite the development of an mRNA vaccine that could be used for bird flu.

    mRNA technology is the same type that was used in the development of some COVID-19 vaccines. While some vaccines use a weakened or inactive virus to stimulate an immune response, mRNA vaccines teach the body how to make proteins that can trigger an immune response and fight off an infection.

    Researchers can often design mRNA vaccines more quickly than they can produce the live or weakened pathogens needed for a live-attenuated or inactivated vaccine.

    Avian influenza or bird flu.

    Cavallini James/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    The federal government already has two bird flu vaccine candidates, which use traditional vaccine technology, available in the nation’s stockpile. Officials previously noted they’d have 10 million ready-to-use doses within the beginning of 2025. Vaccines were being stockpiled as a precaution.

    “Avian flu variants have proven to be particularly unpredictable and dangerous to humans in the past. That is why this response has been a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and HHS,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement on Friday. “Accelerating the development of new vaccines will allow us to stay ahead and ensure that Americans have the tools they need to stay safe.”

    Bird flu cases in humans have been spreading across the country since April 2024 with 67 confirmed cases as of Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    The first death of a human bird flu patient was reported in Louisiana earlier this month. The patient was over the age of 65 and had underlying medical conditions, according to health officials.

    Most human cases have occurred after coming into contact with infected cattle, infected poultry farms or other culling operations.

    The CDC and other public health officials say there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission and the risk to the general public is low.

    ABC News’ Mary Kekatos contributed to this report.



    Moderna, a leading biotechnology company, has been awarded a significant grant of $590 million by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help accelerate the development of an mRNA-based bird flu vaccine. This funding comes as part of the government’s efforts to prepare for potential future pandemics and enhance our ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases.

    The use of mRNA technology in vaccines has shown great promise in recent years, particularly with the successful development of COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna, which was one of the first companies to receive emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine, is now leveraging its expertise in mRNA technology to tackle other infectious diseases, such as bird flu.

    The grant from HHS will enable Moderna to expedite the research and development process for a bird flu vaccine, potentially bringing it to market more quickly than traditional vaccine development methods. This is crucial in the face of the ongoing threat of avian influenza and the need to protect against potential future outbreaks.

    By investing in cutting-edge technologies and supporting innovative approaches to vaccine development, the government is taking proactive steps to strengthen our public health infrastructure and better prepare for future health crises. The collaboration between Moderna and HHS represents a significant milestone in the fight against infectious diseases and demonstrates the importance of investing in research and development to safeguard public health.

    Tags:

    1. Moderna
    2. mRNA-based vaccine
    3. bird flu
    4. HHS
    5. $590M funding
    6. vaccine development
    7. public health
    8. infectious diseases
    9. government funding
    10. pandemic preparedness

    #Moderna #awarded #590M #accelerate #development #mRNAbased #bird #flu #vaccine #HHS

  • Soup You Can Suck On: Introducing Progresso Soup Drops, the Ultimate Cold and Flu Season Comfort


    MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Enjoy soup like never before — Progresso, your go-to for comforting, premium soups, is innovating beyond expectations this cold and flu season with the launch of the first-ever limited-edition Soup Drops. What’s a Soup Drop? Well, it’s soup you can suck on, of course!

    While most folks flock to the cough drop aisle at the first sign of a cold, Progresso is here to say, “Hold my spoon!” Progresso Soup Drops deliver the classic, hearty flavor of Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup in a format that will definitely SOUPrise fans — it’s a convenient hard candy drop — reminding you of the comfort you can find in a bowl of Progresso Soup. These savory drops are arriving for a limited time this month for National Soup Month, right at the height of cold and flu season. Now, there’s no spoon needed to dive into the classic taste of the iconic Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup, but you certainly can reach for the real thing if you’re looking for that feeling of a hug in a bowl!

    “For decades, Progresso Soup has brought you cozy comfort on chilly days or when you’re under the weather,” said MC Comings, VP, Business Unit Director for Progresso at General Mills. “When you’re sick, nothing is truly more reassuring than Chicken Noodle Soup. So, we thought, why stop at the soup bowl? We took the beloved flavors of our Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup and packed them into a fun, savory candy Soup Drop for a totally new way to enjoy the taste you love whenever and wherever you want.”

    While this new savory hard candy may be a first for the brand, it will have soup fans feeling like they just slurped a spoonful of Progresso’s iconic Chicken Noodle Soup that they know and love. That favorite flavor is packed into each drop — it’s like broth, savory veggies, chicken, soft egg noodles and a hint of parsley have all been stirred up in a surprising way that’s sure to wow your taste buds. And the best part is you can enjoy Soup Drops anywhere — in the carpool line, during a grocery run, while folding laundry, sitting at the doctor’s office or hiding out under the covers. The coziness you crave is just one Drop away!

    You can get your hands on the limited-edition Progresso Soup Drops, exclusively at ProgressoSoupDrops.com starting on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. ET (with additional quantities released every Thursday for the rest of National Soup Month, while supplies last)! The Soup Drops come in a can that looks just like the iconic Progresso Soup can with 20 individually wrapped candies within. Each order also comes with a can of actual Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup, all for just $2.49 — the typical price of a can of Progresso Soup — plus 99 cents shipping. Stock up on this soup you can suck on — for comfort when you need it, and really just to say you tried it — and feel SOUPported this cold and flu season!

    For more comforting goodness, curl up with other Progresso Soups like Rich & Hearty Chicken & Homestyle Noodle, Vegetable Classics Minestrone, or Vegetable Classics Tomato Basil this soup season. They’re available online at Progresso.com or at retailers and grocery stores nationwide.



    As we enter cold and flu season, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe a sore throat and provide much-needed comfort. But what if you could enjoy the benefits of soup in a more convenient and portable form?

    Introducing Progresso Soup Drops – the ultimate solution for when you’re feeling under the weather. These innovative soup drops are packed with all the delicious flavors and nutrients of traditional soup, but in a convenient, easy-to-enjoy format. Simply pop one in your mouth and let it dissolve slowly, allowing the comforting warmth and healing properties of soup to soothe your throat and provide nourishment.

    Whether you’re at work, on-the-go, or just feeling too sick to make a full bowl of soup, Progresso Soup Drops are the perfect solution. Stock up on all your favorite flavors like chicken noodle, tomato basil, and creamy mushroom, and be prepared for whatever cold and flu season throws your way.

    Don’t let a sore throat or stuffy nose get you down – grab a pack of Progresso Soup Drops and feel the comforting warmth of soup wherever you go. Stay warm, stay healthy, and stay cozy with Progresso Soup Drops.

    Tags:

    • Progresso Soup Drops
    • Cold and Flu Season Comfort
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    • Progresso Soup Drops for sore throat
    • Progresso Soup Drops for congestion

    #Soup #Suck #Introducing #Progresso #Soup #Drops #Ultimate #Cold #Flu #Season #Comfort

  • Where are flu rates rising? See maps


    Cold and flu season is in full swing as four major respiratory viruses circulate the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 15 states have “very high” levels of the flu.

    Wastewater levels of influenza are high nationwide for the week ending Jan 4, the CDC’s wastewater monitoring systems reported.

    Respiratory viruses can spread quickly in winter months, as more people spend time inside. Colder temperatures can weaken your immune system, and colder, drier air can help respiratory viruses thrive, experts say.

    Wastewater maps show where levels of flu, COVID and RSV are high

    Wastewater testing is intended to act as an early warning system for public health professionals, allowing them to prevent outbreaks.



    As flu season ramps up, many are wondering where exactly flu rates are on the rise. To get a clear picture, let’s take a look at some maps tracking flu activity across the United States.

    According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity is currently elevated in several states in the southern and western regions of the country. States such as Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida are experiencing higher than average flu activity.

    In addition, some areas within these states are reporting even higher levels of flu activity. For example, cities like Houston, Los Angeles, and Phoenix are seeing a significant increase in flu cases.

    It’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others during flu season. Make sure to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and get vaccinated if you haven’t already.

    Stay safe and stay healthy this flu season!

    Tags:

    • flu rates
    • rising flu rates
    • flu maps
    • flu trends
    • flu outbreaks
    • flu hotspots
    • flu statistics
    • flu cases
    • influenza rates
    • flu tracking

    #flu #rates #rising #maps

    January 20, 2025

  • US flu activity still high, with 11 new deaths in kids


    Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its weekly FluView update, confirmed 11 new pediatric deaths for the week ending on January 11, lifting the total during the 2024-25 flu season to 27. 

    Overall deaths are also increasing, with flu accounting for 1.5% of deaths in the second week of January. Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across most of the country, with an 18.8% positivity rate, according to clinical lab data. 

    High flu activity expected for several more weeks

    Outpatient visits for flu are trending down, but the CDC said this is not likely an indication that the flu season has peaked. 

    “Although some indicators have decreased or remained stable this week compared to last, this could be due to changes in healthcare seeking behavior or reporting during the holidays rather than an indication that influenza activity has peaked,” the CDC said. “The country is still experiencing elevated influenza activity, and that is expected to continue for several more weeks.”

    The CDC estimates that there have been at least 12 million illnesses, 160,000 hospitalizations, and 6,600 deaths from flu so far this season.

    Influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 are still the dominant strains this season, representing 43.1% and 56.8% of typed samples, respectively, from public health laboratories last week. 

    COVID-19 activity rising while RSV slows

    In updates on the common respiratory illnesses of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, flu, and COVID-19, the CDC said COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas of the country, while RSV activity has peaked in many regions. 

    Overall respiratory viral illness activity is high in the United States, with emergency department (ED) visits for all three diseases increasing. ED visits for COVID-19 are still low, while flu and RSV are classified as high. 

    Wastewater detections are high for COVID-19 and influenza, but now moderate for RSV. Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants shows XEC accounted for 43% of COVID-19 cases, with LP.8.1 accounting for 15%, and KP.3.1.1 accounting for 14%.

    Wastewater detections for COVID-19 viruses are highest in the upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Missouri, and the Northeast, including Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. 

    COVID predictions for the next two weeks suggest that emergency department visits will remain at a lower level compared to prior winter seasons

    “COVID predictions for the next two weeks suggest that emergency department visits will remain at a lower level compared to prior winter seasons,” the CDC said. “Influenza predictions suggest that emergency department visits will remain at a high to very high level for the next two weeks.”



    The flu season in the US is still going strong, with high activity levels reported across the country. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 11 new deaths in children due to the flu in the past week.

    This latest update serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the flu and the importance of taking precautions to protect yourself and others. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home if you are sick to help prevent the spread of the virus.

    It’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant during flu season, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adding an extra layer of complexity. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can all do our part to help reduce the impact of the flu on our communities.

    Tags:

    1. US flu activity
    2. flu activity update
    3. flu deaths in kids
    4. influenza outbreak
    5. flu season update
    6. child flu deaths
    7. US flu statistics
    8. flu prevention tips
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    10. flu symptoms in children

    #flu #activity #high #deaths #kids

  • Pittsburgh-area businesses are affected by surge in bird flu cases


    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Eggs are up – and we’re not talking “sunny-side.” There’s an egg shortage going on due in part to bird flu. 

    The consumer price index shows an average 65 percent increase year-over-year for December – that’s for a dozen large Grade A eggs.

    Places like Ma and Pop’s Country Kitchen in Bethel Park are feeling that increase.

    “We go through anywhere from 12 to 15 cases a week,” said Steve Diethorn, co-owner of Ma and Pop’s Country Kitchen.

    Eggs are used in things like omelettes and French toast, and they’re not cheap.

    “They’re up to anywhere from $80. Last week one of my vendors said $105 for a case, 15 dozen.”

    Diethorn says he usually pays anywhere from $27 to $33 for that. His suppliers say the supply is not guaranteed.

    “It’s very concerning for us,” said Diethorn.

    His customers are having trouble finding them too.

    “A lot of people come in here and say they can’t get them at the grocery store unless they get them when the truck comes,” said Diethorn.

    It’s a similar problem at Billie Ann’s Diner in Cecil.

    “If you wanna get rich, you don’t buy a restaurant,” said Billie Ann Graham, owner of Billie Ann’s Diner.

    There was a new shipment on Thursday, and it was not cheap.

    “In March we were using eggs,” said an employee at Billie Ann’s. “Eggs were under $20 a case and now they’re $88.87 a case.”

    Both places go through many cases a week. They’re trying to avoid price spikes.

    “If we raise our prices too much, people aren’t gonna come in,” said Diethorn.

    But the main goal? As small businesses, it’s just to endure.

    “You gotta do what you gotta do to survive,” said Graham.



    The recent surge in bird flu cases has taken a toll on Pittsburgh-area businesses, particularly those in the poultry industry. As the highly contagious virus continues to spread, many farms and suppliers are facing significant challenges in maintaining their operations.

    Poultry farms have been hit hard by the outbreak, with many reporting high mortality rates among their flocks. This has led to a decrease in supply and an increase in prices for poultry products, putting strain on businesses that rely on these goods for their operations.

    In addition to poultry farms, other businesses in the Pittsburgh area that rely on poultry products are also feeling the impact of the bird flu outbreak. Restaurants, grocery stores, and food manufacturers are all facing disruptions in their supply chains, leading to potential shortages and increased costs.

    The surge in bird flu cases has highlighted the vulnerability of businesses in the poultry industry to such outbreaks. It serves as a reminder of the importance of biosecurity measures and preparedness in order to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks.

    As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for Pittsburgh-area businesses to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their operations and ensure the safety of their employees and customers. By working together and implementing best practices, businesses can navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger on the other side.

    Tags:

    1. Pittsburgh area businesses
    2. Bird flu cases
    3. Avian flu outbreak
    4. Impact on local businesses
    5. Public health crisis
    6. Economic repercussions
    7. Disease outbreak in Pittsburgh
    8. Business continuity planning
    9. Avian influenza in Pennsylvania
    10. Workplace safety measures

    #Pittsburgharea #businesses #affected #surge #bird #flu #cases

  • Is bird flu driving up the cost of eggs in New Orleans? | News


    Customers in Louisiana and nationwide are dealing with egg prices going up and sparsely populated aisles at the grocery store following the spread of the bird flu in the U.S.

    The risk of bird flu, or H5N1, hit home for Louisiana after a patient here was the first human death from the virus in the U.S., the state Department of Health said Jan. 6. The patient contracted avian influenza after exposure to a noncommercial backyard flock of birds and wild birds.

    Across the country, hundreds have taken to social media to share videos where the popular ingredient and breakfast staple was in short supply at major retailers, ABC reports. 

    The Jan 10. U.S. Department of Agriculture market data report found that egg prices are up nearly 38% nationally in the past year and prices spiked 8% in November alone during the holiday season.

    The average price for a carton of a dozen eggs cost people $3.65, according to the USDA data, compared with $2.14 a year ago. Prices were cheapest in the South at an average of $3.40 per carton and most expensive on the West Coast at $4.20 per carton.

    While Louisiana has not experienced cases of bird flu among its commercial chicken populations, the price of eggs rose due to a diminished number of table egg-laying birds in states and regions that ship eggs to Louisiana such as California and the Midwest, said William Strickland, an agriculture and natural resources extension agent with LSU’s AgCenter.

    In Northwest Louisiana, Stickland said he personally saw the rise in egg prices at stores.

    “I actually took a picture right when I came back from winter break that eggs were over five dollars at the store I was at for a dozen,” Strickland said.

    Bird flu had impacted egg prices in the past like two years ago when a then-price surge left consumers and New Orleans-area bakeries reeling. The 2023 rise in egg prices was also compounded by increases in feed, fuel and labor costs.

    Louisiana generally does not produce enough eggs to feed the demand from consumers, Strickland said. Last year, the state produced around 50 eggs-per-person in the state, below the average amount of eggs a resident eats a year.

    Farm sites typically have a lot more birds for egg production than broilers, or chickens raised for their meat. Strickland said refilling the egg laying chickens is likely to take more time.

    “I don’t think in a month, egg prices are going to drop back down,” Strickland said.

    Eggs may be more expensive or difficult to find in some stores, but Strickland said consumers should not be concerned about the contracting bird flu through eating eggs, adding that the USDA has protocols in place to keep the virus from entering food supplies and cooking should kill the virus.

    “H5N1 usually has mild symptoms in humans, of course this was the first death that we had in Louisiana unfortunately, but we’ve had about 60-some odd cases around the nation that haven’t presented that way,” Strickland said. “It’s very deadly in our birds so we see it in our birds very quickly, and the USDA has a playbook for how to handle it and they depopulate the entire farm. So that doesn’t really go into our supply.”



    In recent weeks, there has been a growing concern about the impact of bird flu on the cost of eggs in New Orleans. With reports of outbreaks in poultry farms across the country, many are wondering if this is causing prices to rise in the local market.

    Experts have noted that bird flu can lead to a decrease in egg production, as infected birds may need to be culled to prevent the spread of the disease. This reduction in supply could potentially drive up prices for consumers in New Orleans and beyond.

    Local farmers and retailers are closely monitoring the situation and taking precautions to prevent the spread of bird flu in their flocks. However, the uncertainty surrounding the issue has caused some anxiety among consumers who rely on eggs as a staple in their diet.

    As the situation continues to develop, it is important for residents of New Orleans to stay informed and be prepared for potential changes in egg prices. Stay tuned for updates on how bird flu may be impacting the cost of eggs in the area.

    Tags:

    • Bird flu
    • Cost of eggs
    • New Orleans
    • Avian influenza
    • Egg prices
    • Poultry industry
    • Impact on egg market
    • Louisiana news
    • Bird flu outbreak
    • Egg shortage

    #bird #flu #driving #cost #eggs #Orleans #News

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