Farmers say bird flu a 'crisis' as egg prices soar

Farmers across the United States are facing a serious crisis due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has led to a significant increase in egg prices. Brian Kreher, a farmer from Clarence, New York, is one of many who are deeply concerned about the impact of the avian flu on their livelihoods. Kreher, who has been farming for generations, feels fortunate that none of his chickens have fallen ill. However, he is constantly worried about the threat of the virus. His 18-acre farm has implemented strict safety measures to protect the birds, but he has still had to make difficult decisions, such as whether to accept a new batch of baby chicks from a hatchery located near a virus hotspot in Pennsylvania. Kreher explained, 'I had no choice. It was either accept those baby chicks, or over the next year, we slowly exit farming. ' He emphasized the dire situation for egg farmers, stating, 'Egg farmers are in the fight of our lives and we are losing. ' The avian flu, known scientifically as H5N1, has been a concern for poultry farmers for years, but a recent outbreak that began in 2022 has devastated farms, resulting in the deaths of over 156 million birds and causing egg prices to soar. The virus has also been detected in dairy cows, raising alarms among farmers and public health officials alike. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that the bird flu has infected cattle for the first time in history, with nearly 1,000 confirmed cases across 17 states. Additionally, there have been 68 confirmed human cases, primarily among individuals who work closely with infected animals. The situation has become increasingly urgent as a new variant of the virus, known as D1. 1, was recently identified in dairy cows and has caused severe infections in humans. Experts are concerned that the virus is adapting to infect humans more easily, which could pose a significant public health risk. Kreher and other farmers are taking extensive precautions to protect their flocks, including washing vehicles, wearing protective gear, and using lasers to deter wild birds. Despite these efforts, the outbreak continues to worsen, and Kreher expressed the emotional toll it has taken on him and his fellow farmers. 'Bird flu is on our minds from the moment we get up to the moment we sleep, if sleep comes,' he said. The government is also responding to the crisis, with President Trump's administration proposing a new strategy to combat the bird flu. This plan aims to focus on preventive measures and vaccines rather than the previous approach of culling entire flocks when one bird is infected. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, stated that he is working with USDA officials to develop a comprehensive plan to address the virus. However, some farmers remain skeptical about whether vaccines and other preventive measures can effectively replace the need for culling. Alexandre, who lost all of his chickens to the bird flu, expressed his concerns, saying, 'What farmers and the USDA have been doing has just obviously not worked. We're in a crisis. ' Vaccines for birds against the avian flu are already available in other countries, and the USDA has recently granted conditional approval for a new vaccine developed by Zoetis. However, many poultry industry groups oppose the use of vaccines, fearing that they could mask the presence of the virus and hinder exports. Public health experts have criticized the government's response to the bird flu outbreak, arguing that more needs to be done to monitor and control the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reportedly withheld important information about the outbreak, raising concerns about transparency and communication. As the situation continues to evolve, farmers and public health officials alike are urging the government to take the threat of the avian flu seriously and to implement effective strategies to protect both animal and human health.