Egg Seizures at Borders Outpace Fentanyl as Bird Flu Devastates US Poultry Supply (March 23rd, 2025)

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Let’s start today’s news roundup with some international news - and this is going to be a permanent section moving forward 💛 

International Bird Flu Updates

• The UK government faces criticism for being underprepared as another pandemic threat looms with the unabated spread of avian influenza. [Source]

• The UK detected a new case in a backyard flock in Inverness, leading to the establishment of movement restriction zones. [Source] 

• France is on high alert over the potential arrival of the zoonotic H7N9 strain that can infect humans. [Source]

• South Korea and Turkey are exporting eggs to the US to ease supply shortages caused by flu-related production losses. [Source] 

• Significant outbreaks detected in key wandering albatross breeding colonies in South Africa's Marion Island, threatening this endangered species. [Source] While no mammals infected yet on Marion Island, the outbreak raises alarms about the virus's ability to spread across species. [Source]

• South Africa is facing an imminent avian flu crisis, with millions of commercial birds at risk. The NSPCA is urging the government to take action. [Source] 

Latest Developments in the US

• The H5N1 virus is rapidly mutating, raising concerns that existing vaccines may become less effective against emerging strains. Scientists are closely monitoring genetic changes that could increase transmissibility or virulence. [Source]

• Controversial suggestions to "let the virus run" by some officials have drawn sharp criticism from the scientific community concerned about uncontrolled viral evolution. [Source]

• US authorities have stepped up border inspections, seizing over 1.8 million illegal poultry products and eggs potentially contaminated with the virus since last October. These measures aim to curb viral introduction from affected regions. [Source]

• Several domestic cat infections have been reported, including a fatal case in Portland where the owner is suing a pet food company, alleging contaminated products caused the death of his two cats. Experts stress the importance of adhering to biosecurity protocols for pet owners. [Source] 

Scientific Research & Developments

• The USDA is planning major investments to accelerate development of updated H5N1 vaccines effective against emerging strains. Existing vaccines may need to be regularly updated. [Source]

• Research on novel vaccine platforms and adjuvants is underway to improve immune responses and cross-protection against divergent viral strains. [Source]

• A new study suggests some current antivirals may have reduced efficacy against severe H5N1 infections in mammals like cows, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. [Source]

Public Health Updates

• Backyard poultry flocks in Mower County, Minnesota and Ingham County, Michigan have tested positive for H5N1, triggering quarantines and depopulation measures. [Source] [Source] [Source]

• Montana has confirmed an H5N1 outbreak in a non-commercial flock in Gallatin County. [Source]

• Health officials are providing guidance to turkey hunters on preventive measures and safe handling of harvested birds to minimize infection risks during the spring season. [Source] [Source]

• Improving classroom ventilation is being recommended as a precaution in case of human transmission. [Source]

Economic Impacts

• The outbreak has taken a devastating toll on the US poultry industry, with over 58 million birds culled so far at a cost of billions of dollars. [Source]

• Turkey producers are bracing for potential impacts as wild bird migration increases viral exposure risks for their flocks. [Source] 

• A Colorado family farm is struggling to stay afloat amidst depopulation losses and a freeze on USDA compensation funds due to the ongoing outbreak. [Source]

• Egg prices remain elevated, with the national average over $4 per dozen, straining household budgets for the staple food item. Analysts expect high prices to persist through 2025. [Source]

Wildlife & Pet Safety

• The virus is proving deadly for many wild bird species, including the iconic sandhill cranes in Indiana, where large numbers have perished from H5N1 infections. [Source] [Source]

• Veterinary authorities are stressing the importance of heightened biosecurity for domestic pets and avoiding contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or wild birds to prevent spillover events. [Source] [Source]

Looking Ahead

• Major clinical trials are underway to evaluate new H5N1 vaccine candidates and determine optimal regimens for updated formulations. [Source]

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

Eva