Over the past few years, bird flu has become an increasingly concerning topic in the Department of Health and Human Services. When H5N1 first appeared in China’s domestic waterfowl, the possibility of human contagion was almost zero.As years pass and the influenza infects more and more animals, the possibility of another pandemic has increased.
In the new year, bird flu outbreaks have seriously affected the livestock and poultry industries in America. The price of chicken eggs have increased significantly in the past month, and prices threaten to rise even higher. Statistically speaking, the United States has had 7 million bird flu cases last November, 18 million last December, and 23 million this January, as well as 66 human infections and one human death since the virus’ discovery.
The Department of Agriculture announced the discovery of a new form of avian influenza in Nevada herds. This mutated version, D1.1, shows promise of evolving to become airborne, as well as becoming susceptible to infecting humans, cats, and other mammals. Smaller outbreaks continue to occur across the US, and have even caused some states to close their poultry markets temporarily. Researchers do their best to spread awareness and contain the virus, but recent cuts across federal agencies could hinder the government’s response.
For now, the only humans who risk catching the virus are those who work closely with farm animals or own outdoor cats. Experts advise residents to fully cook all poultry and meat products before consumption, not consume unpasteurized milk, and not feed cats raw pet food.
