Bird flu is back

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 2:08 pm

Bird Flu Resurfaces, Threatening Poultry and Dairy Industries

The United States is facing a renewed outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, following a period of relative calm during the summer months. Since the beginning of September, the virus has impacted numerous poultry flocks, leading to the deaths of nearly 7 million farmed birds. This includes approximately 1.3 million turkeys, raising concerns about the availability and cost of turkeys as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

The resurgence of the virus is not limited to poultry. Reports indicate a surge in infected wild birds this fall. Furthermore, outbreaks have been identified in dairy cows across three states. The seasonal pattern of the virus, often intensifying during the fall migration of wild birds, is contributing to the current situation.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the federal government is currently operating under a shutdown. This has resulted in reduced staffing at federal agencies typically involved in the response to such outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which monitors human cases, and the Department of Agriculture, responsible for tracking animal outbreaks, have both scaled back routine communication with state officials. This has left some officials without the most current guidance on how to detect and contain the disease, and without a comprehensive national overview of the outbreak's scope.

Experts are also concerned about the potential impact of immigration raids on the agricultural workforce. Some believe that these raids may deter workers on dairy and poultry farms from seeking medical attention for symptoms, potentially hindering early detection and containment efforts. The upcoming flu season may further complicate matters, making it more difficult to differentiate between cases of bird flu and other respiratory illnesses.

The current wave of detections underscores that the period of low activity during the past several months was temporary. Experts anticipate a further acceleration of the outbreak in the coming months. The virus appears to have established a seasonal pattern, suggesting that this type of outbreak may become a recurring challenge. The consequences of this resurgence could include higher prices for both eggs and turkeys as the holiday season approaches. Wholesale turkey prices are already significantly higher than last year.

BNN's Perspective:

The resurgence of bird flu presents a serious challenge to both the agricultural industry and public health. While the government shutdown complicates the response, it is crucial that federal agencies prioritize effective communication and collaboration with state and local authorities to mitigate the spread of the virus. The potential economic impact on consumers, particularly during the holiday season, warrants close monitoring and proactive measures to ensure food security and affordability.

Keywords: bird flu, avian influenza, poultry, turkeys, dairy cows, outbreaks, CDC, Department of Agriculture, Thanksgiving, egg prices, virus, flu season, government shutdown, food prices, agriculture

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