The bird flu outbreak is affecting not only birds but also the economy. According to Dr. Patrick Jackson, an infectious disease expert at the University of Virginia Health, the virus is causing significant increases in egg prices due to supply chain disruptions.
“The entire flock has to be killed when bird flu is traced to a bird, which minimizes the country’s poultry supply and shoots up egg prices,” Dr. Jackson explained.
The US Department of Agriculture predicts a 20% increase in egg prices this year, with the risk for humans being relatively low but their wallets feeling the pinch.
While the risk of human-to-human transmission is still low, experts are warning that if the virus spreads widely, it could be a major red flag and indicative of a potential pandemic. The uncertainty surrounding communication from health agencies, including the CDC, is also creating challenges for medical professionals.
Dr. Jackson emphasized the importance of studies on bird flu, which are crucial in understanding the virus’s behavior and developing effective strategies to combat it. However, the halt in reports has left experts uncertain about how this will impact public health efforts.
The populations at greatest risk of getting bird flu are hunters and those working in agriculture, who may need to take precautions such as proper dressing and protocol when handling animals. Medical professionals are waiting to see how contact with federal health agencies will change, citing the uncertainty as a more difficult situation.
Source: https://www.wric.com/health/trump-cdc-pause-impact-bird-flu-outbreaks