US Department of Agriculture price reports

H5N1 Avian Flu Outbreak Affects 1,000 US Dairy Herds, Causes Egg Shortages and Human Infections

Jan 14, 2025, 01:14 PM

The United States is grappling with a widespread outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has led to significant impacts on both animal and human health. The virus, first detected in U.S. cattle in the Texas panhandle in early 2024, has since spread to nearly 1,000 dairy herds across 16 states. This outbreak has resulted in the death of millions of poultry, causing egg shortages and price increases, with the average price of a dozen eggs reaching $4.33 by the end of December 2024, a nearly 25% increase from early November. The virus has also infected at least 66 humans, mostly dairy workers, with one fatal case reported in Louisiana involving a 65-year-old man who had exposure to a backyard flock. Samples from the Louisiana case showed concerning signs of H5N1 mutations. Federal health officials have begun briefing the incoming Trump administration on the response to the crisis, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and preparedness efforts, including the allocation of $306 million in funding. The USDA has mandated testing of the national milk supply and is working on enhancing biosecurity on farms, though challenges remain due to the virus's presence in both birds and cattle. The government has two bird flu vaccine candidates in its stockpile.