Americans concerned about bird flu effects on wallets over health (March 28th, 2025)

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A new poll found that many Americans are more concerned about the financial impacts of rising egg and poultry prices than the potential health risks of the outbreak. Do you agree?

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International Bird Flu Updates

• In a world first, a case of bird flu has been detected in a sheep on a farm in Yorkshire, England. This represents an unprecedented spillover event into a mammalian livestock species. [Source]

• South Korea has reported 4 additional avian flu outbreaks in less than a week, bringing the total to 41 cases so far this season. Authorities are culling hundreds of thousands of birds. [Source] 

• The virus has also been detected in a wild leopard cat in South Korea, the first such spillover into a wild feline species, amplifying concerns. [Source]

• In Spain, the bird flu crisis is driving up egg prices and attracting foreign investors to the lucrative egg market. [Source]

• The FAO reinforced measures in Latin America and the Caribbean due to the re-emergence of bird flu. [Source]

• India confirmed eight outbreaks of bird flu in the state of Andhra Pradesh, further straining the country's efforts to contain the virus. [Source]

Latest Developments

• The H5N1 strain has mutated to better hijack human cells, increasing pandemic potential according to a new study from UNC Charlotte. [Source]

• Indiana reported a new outbreak at a commercial egg farm housing 23,700 laying hens in Kosciusko County, marking another significant hit to the state's poultry industry. [Source]

• Reinfections at previously infected U.S. poultry farms are highlighting the urgent need for effective vaccines, as the virus continues to circulate and evolve. [Source]

• New cases were detected in poultry flocks in Minnesota, Indiana (Kosciusko County), and Mississippi, leading to the culling of tens of thousands of birds. [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source]

Scientific Research & Developments

• Researchers at Kansas State University helped develop an experimental bird flu vaccine for cattle, aiming to protect livestock. [Source]

• Former CDC Director unveiled promising bird flu treatment candidates from Traws Pharma at an investor event. Traws Pharma reported promising preclinical results for a potential bird flu treatment, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against the virus. However, clinical trials are still needed to assess its safety and efficacy. [Source]

Public Health Updates

• Health authorities continue to emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, but are monitoring the situation closely. [Source]

Economic Impacts

• A new poll found that many Americans are more concerned about the financial impacts of rising egg and poultry prices than the potential health risks of the outbreak, highlighting the far-reaching economic effects on consumers. [Source]

• Frozen cat food contaminated with bird flu was recalled in New Mexico as a precautionary measure. [Source] [Source]

• Egg prices are finally starting to decrease as the outbreak potentially nears its peak, providing some relief for consumers. [Source]

Wildlife & Pet Safety

• Large numbers of dead birds have been reported washing up on beaches in areas like South Haven, Michigan, likely due to the avian flu outbreak. Wildlife authorities are urging the public to avoid handling any dead birds. [Source] [Source]

• With the virus showing the ability to infect domestic cats, animal welfare groups like PETA issued guidelines for pet owners on keeping cats safe from bird flu exposure. [Source] [Source] 

• A popular vulture who appeared to "mourn" its dead mate at a Baltimore zoo also died, potentially from avian influenza though the cause is unconfirmed. [Source] 

Looking Ahead

Scientists at Harvard are reportedly working on studies to better understand the pandemic potential of the current bird flu strain, as concerns mount about its continued evolution. [Source]

As always, hit reply with any feedback or question! 💗 

Eva