Philadelphia reported its first suspected case of avian flu after a snow goose tested positive. This marks the city’s first case within a nationwide outbreak impacting poultry and increasing egg prices. Public health officials urge residents to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report sightings. While the risk to humans remains low, concerns exist about potential human-to-human transmission should the virus continue to spread from birds to humans. Contact information for reporting sick birds or concerns about pets is provided.
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The recent news about the Crescent Duck Farm on Long Island is heartbreaking. More than 100,000 ducks had to be euthanized after an outbreak of avian flu was detected. This devastating event highlights the harsh realities of large-scale animal agriculture and the swift action sometimes required to prevent widespread disease.
The sheer scale of the culling is staggering. Imagine the logistical challenges involved in dealing with so many birds. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and saddened by the loss of so many lives. This wasn’t a simple matter of identifying and removing a few sick ducks; the highly contagious nature of the avian flu meant a drastic, widespread intervention was necessary.… Continue reading
In the past month, highly pathogenic avian influenza has impacted nearly 12 million birds, necessitating culling of entire flocks and driving up egg prices. This surge in avian flu cases coincides with a temporary halt in the release of public health communications from US agencies, including a CDC report on the outbreak. The suspension affects crucial information regarding the bird flu’s impact on poultry farms. This delay hinders efforts to address the crisis and could exacerbate the ongoing price increases.
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December’s US inflation rate rose to 2.9%, driven largely by a 40%+ surge in energy prices and a staggering 36%+ increase in egg prices due to avian flu. However, core inflation remained lower than anticipated at 3.2%, easing concerns of a renewed inflation wave. This relatively positive data, contrasting with strong job growth, created uncertainty regarding future Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Market reactions were initially positive, but anxieties persist about potential inflationary pressures from upcoming policy changes.
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The CDC has confirmed the first case of severe bird flu in the United States, a development that understandably sparks a range of reactions, from concern to outright cynicism. The patient, located in Louisiana, had contact with sick and deceased birds in their backyard flock. While investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the exact source of infection, this initial case highlights the potential risks associated with close contact with poultry.
This particular case is distinct from the avian flu strains circulating among dairy cows and some poultry populations within the country, underscoring the complexity of the virus’s spread and potential mutations. The fact that this is the first confirmed human case linked to backyard flocks raises concerns about potential future outbreaks.… Continue reading
A California child fell ill with flu-like symptoms after consuming raw milk from Raw Farm, prompting an investigation into a potential H5N1 bird flu case. Initial CDC tests for H5 flu were negative, though further testing is ongoing. The milk producer, Raw Farm, had already recalled several lots of milk and cream after bird flu was detected in their products. The child recovered fully, and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
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Marin County health officials are investigating a potential H5N1 bird flu case in a child, the second such case in California this year. The investigation, involving state and federal agencies, aims to determine the child’s exposure source, which remains unknown in several recent U.S. cases. This potential case, if confirmed, would be the 61st human case of H5N1 in the U.S. in 2024 and the third with an unknown source of infection. The ongoing investigation includes consideration of recently recalled raw milk, though a direct link to transmission is unconfirmed.
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H5N1, the avian flu virus, has been detected in raw milk sold in California. This is particularly concerning because the consumption of raw milk, despite its known health risks, is being actively promoted by America’s incoming health secretary. The irony of this situation is striking, given the potential dangers of raw milk consumption and the crucial role of public health officials in advocating for safe food practices.
This discovery highlights the very real dangers associated with drinking raw, unpasteurized milk. The absence of pasteurization leaves the milk vulnerable to a range of harmful pathogens, including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, all of which can cause serious illness.… Continue reading
Egg prices are soaring, leaving many wondering why their grocery bills are suddenly so much higher. A significant factor contributing to this increase is the impact of avian flu outbreaks. These outbreaks have decimated poultry populations, resulting in a noticeable decline in egg production. This simple supply and demand dynamic is the primary driver behind the price hike; fewer eggs available means higher prices for consumers.
The reduced egg supply isn’t simply a matter of a few farms being affected; the scale of the avian flu outbreaks has been substantial. Many large-scale producers have experienced significant losses, directly impacting the national egg supply chain.… Continue reading
Colorado reports human case of bird flu, and it seems like deja vu all over again. The eerie echoes of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic are resonating in the news once more, as a dairy farm worker in Colorado has been diagnosed with bird flu. It’s not the first time this has happened in Colorado, but it certainly raises concerns about the potential spread of the virus.
The man who contracted the virus had exposure to infected cattle and luckily recovered after receiving antiviral treatment. This marks the fourth human case of bird flu reported in the U.S. since the avian flu was confirmed in cows earlier this year.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood