A highly pathogenic strain of H7N9 bird flu has been detected on a poultry farm in Mississippi, marking the first such outbreak in the US in almost a decade. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) reported the detection based on data from the US Department of Agriculture and local officials.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are a significant public health concern, spreading quickly among wild birds and poultry, causing widespread die-offs. These viruses can also jump to other animal species, including humans, posing a risk for severe illness and potential pandemics.
H7N9 is particularly worrying due to its deadliness when it infects humans. According to the World Health Organization, 39% of documented cases have resulted in death. The last US outbreak occurred in 2017, but it has made a return on this Mississippi farm.
The USDA and state animal health officials are conducting an investigation and enhanced surveillance to contain the outbreak. As part of standard procedure, the exposed chickens are being culled. However, the overall threat of bird flu is growing, with more outbreaks already reported in the current season than in the previous one.
These outbreaks have contributed to rising egg prices, but their impact is decreasing. The effectiveness of health officials in containing H5N1 and other strains remains uncertain due to concerns over the Trump administration’s handling of the issue.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/move-over-h5n1-another-bird-flu-strain-has-arrived-in-the-u-s-2000576923