The United States has reported its first outbreak of the H7N9 bird flu strain in a commercial poultry farm since 2017, amidst an ongoing struggle with another avian flu virus that has led to record-high egg prices. According to Reuters, the bird flu outbreak has had a ripple effect on the supply chain, driving up food prices. Furthermore, the spread of the disease to mammals, such as cattle in the US, has raised concerns among governments about the risk of a new pandemic.
The H5N1 strain, which has caused the most damage to poultry in recent years and resulted in one human death in the US, remains a significant concern. However, it’s the H7N9 strain that has proven to be particularly deadly to humans, with a mortality rate of 39% – 616 deaths out of 1,568 reported cases worldwide since its discovery in China in 2013, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While the WHO notes that both strains are unlikely to spread easily from person to person, the situation is being closely monitored.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reported on Monday, citing US officials, that the latest H7N9 outbreak in the US was detected in a commercial broiler chicken farm with 47,654 birds in Noxubee County, Mississippi, and was confirmed on March 13. This development comes as the US struggles to cope with the ongoing avian flu crisis, which has been exacerbated by initial setbacks during the Trump administration, including the cancellation of briefings to Congress and meetings with state animal health officials.
The situation highlights the complexities and challenges of managing animal health and preventing the spread of diseases that can have significant economic and human health implications. As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic and its aftermath, the need for effective communication, cooperation, and preparedness among governments, health organizations, and the agricultural industry has never been more pressing. With the global community still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat of another potential health crisis looms large, underscoring the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic diseases like avian flu.