H5N1 virus strain has now reached the continent of Antarctica (March 11th, 2025)

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Let’s start today’s newsletter with some international news. You can find them in the news section on birdfluwatcher.com and can now filter by country as well!

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International News on Bird Flu

• In a concerning development, the H5N1 virus strain has now reached the continent of Antarctica, killing wild birds in the region. This underscores the virus's ability to spread across vast geographical distances. [Source]

• Egg prices in Australia have risen as farmers grapple with a bird flu outbreak, leading to culling of poultry flocks. ([Source])

• The Australian government has announced a funding boost to help protect South Australia from the H5 strain of bird flu. ([Source]

• A commercial poultry flock in North Yorkshire, UK, has been culled after the detection of bird flu. ([Source])

• A popular tourist attraction in the UK has delayed reopening due to the risk of a nearby bird flu outbreak. ([Source])

• Affected areas in an Indian city are being sanitized to prevent the further spread of bird flu. ([Source])

• Brazil is set to nearly double its egg exports as the United States grapples with egg shortages due to bird flu outbreaks. ([Source])

• Poultry workers on the Isle of Man are being offered a flu vaccine amid bird flu concerns. ([Source])

• A flu outbreak in Thailand has killed 9 people and left over 100,000 sick. The most common strain of the influenza virus is A/H1N1, according to the ministry.([Source])

• India's central government has issued an advisory after 9 states reported bird flu cases, ordering inspections of poultry farms. ([Source])

• The Netherlands has launched a preemptive vaccination program for poultry in hopes of controlling the outbreak's economic toll. [Source]

Latest Developments

• Confirmed cases of bird flu have been detected in new locations across the United States, including backyard flocks in Portage County, Ohio [Source] and Dallas County, Iowa. [Source]

• The virus has also impacted commercial operations, with a duck facility in Jay County, Indiana being the 10th farm quarantined due to bird flu in that area. [Source]

• New York City has seen an unexpected food trend emerge, with "Bird Flu Bailout" sandwiches becoming popular at local delis as a way to use up excess egg supplies impacted by the outbreak. [Source], [Source]

Scientific Research & Developments

• A study by Dutch researchers found that many consumers lack accurate information about avian influenza and its risks, highlighting the need for better public education. [Source]

Public Health Updates

• Health authorities continue to assess the human risk from the H5N1 virus as low. However, the virus's sustained spread and geographic expansion are causes for ongoing monitoring and preparedness. [Source]

• In addition to the locations mentioned under Latest Developments, other areas like Russell County, Kansas [Source] and the Florida Keys region [Source] have reported bird flu cases impacting local wildlife.

• While human-to-human transmission remains very rare, the virus seems to be spreading more easily between birds, with migratory patterns and poor biosecurity measures contributing factors. [Source]

• Health officials are reiterating calls for strict biosecurity protocols on farms and aviaries to limit viral spread. [Source]

• Pet owners are advised to avoid feeding raw meat-based diets as a precaution after cases of cats contracting the virus. [Source], [Source]

Economic Impacts

• The egg industry continues to face severe supply chain disruptions, leading to higher prices for consumers. Some estimates suggest egg prices have doubled in the past year due to avian flu's impact on flocks. [Source], [Source]

• As of early March, over 4 million birds have been culled in Indiana alone due to the outbreak, devastating many poultry operations. [Source]

• Biosecurity product suppliers are seeing a surge in demand as farms enhance preventative measures, valued as a $3.2 billion market opportunity. [Source], [Source]

• Beyond higher egg prices, consumers may face shortages of other poultry products like chicken and turkey if the virus continues to severely impact supply. [Source]

Wildlife & Pet Safety

• The virus is taking a toll on wild bird populations across North America, with species like geese and other migratory birds particularly vulnerable. [Source]

• Wildlife rehabilitation centers are enacting strict protocols to prevent viral transmission among rescued animals. [Source]

• Veterinarians are urging pet owners to be vigilant after confirmed cases of cats contracting the H5N1 virus in states like Michigan. [Source], [Source]

Stay informed and stay safe ❤️ 

As always, let us know if you have any suggestions.

Jennifer