Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted January 16 2/25 - Note: This has been editied to be a container for all things pertaining to the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. Quote In March last year, the virus was confirmed in dairy cattle in Texas, which soon spread to other herds across the US. Its transmission was linked to contaminated raw milk – milk that has not undergone pasteurization, which heats the product to kill any viruses. The disease is thought to have spread across the country through contaminated milk droplets carried on farmers’ clothing, their equipment, and through contact between different animal species. The chicken crisis has also been unprecedented. CBS reports that more than 20 million egg-laying chickensdied from the disease or as a result of culling in the last quarter, despite the country having one of the strongest avian influenza surveillance programs in the world, according to the US Department of Agriculture(USDA). Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hal 618 Posted January 16 Picked up an 18 pack from the cooler at Weiss a bit ago … without checking the price . Got to self check out , close to ten dollars for those Clucking things !! Guess where they stayed … 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted January 19 Quote (NEXSTAR) – Eggs are nearly 40% more expensive now than they were a year ago, the Labor Department said this week. It’s about to get even worse, one expert says. Patrick Penfield, a professor and supply chain expert at Syracuse University’s School of Management, expects egg prices could climb as much as 20% more in 2025 as the avian flu epidemic shows no signs of slowing down. The massive bird flu outbreak has already led to the death of more than 100 million egg-laying hens. Anytime the virus is detected, every bird on the farm has to be killed to limit the spread of the disease. Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted February 2 Quote The stress of watching tens of thousands of sick birds die of avian flu each day, while millions of others wait to be euthanized, kept everyone awake. In April 2024, as his first hens tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, Herbruck turned to the tried and true USDA playbook, the "stamping out" strategy that helped end the 2014-2015 bird flu outbreak, which was the largest in the US until now. Within 24-48 hours of the first detection of the virus, state and federal animal health officials work with farms to cull infected flocks to reduce the risk of transmission. That's followed by extensive disinfection and months of surveillance and testing to make sure the virus isn't still lurking somewhere on site. Since then, egg farms have had to invest millions of dollars into biosecurity. Employees shower in and shower out, before they start working and after their shifts ends to prevent spreading the virus. But none of that has been enough to contain the outbreak that started three years ago. This time, the risk to human health is only growing, experts say. Sixty-six of the 68 total human cases in the United States have been just since March, including the first human death in this country earlier this month. "The last six months have accelerated my concern, which was already high," said Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, an infectious diseases physician and the founding director of Boston University's Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Read the rest here. How concerned are you about the effects of avian flu in your life? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted February 3 Additional information: Quote Amy Barkley is a livestock specialist with the Southwest New York Dairy Livestock and Field Crops program and an expert for the avian influenza outbreak for Cornell. She also has her own poultry farm and said she worries about the recent spread of avian flu. "Honestly any farm that has poultry, whether you're large scale commercial, small scale commercial like me, or backyard, if you have poultry, you are susceptible, and if those birds have access to the outdoors, they're even more susceptible," she said. Barkley said this is a high-risk time of year as we head into migration season, so she advises anyone who comes into contact with birds to practice biosecurity. "What we can control is transmitting the disease from one farm to another, from one homestead to another, and so we can take steps like changing our footwear in between visiting different facilities,” she said. “We can even restrict ourselves from visiting different facilities." Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,699 Posted February 3 On 2/2/2025 at 10:01 AM, Twin Tiers Living said: How concerned are you about the effects of avian flu in your life? As far as the effects this could have on our layers, yeah, of course I'm concerned. It's nearly impossible to have a home flock and not have them exposed in some way to wild birds. Speaking of the wild birds, I'm also concerned for the local wild bird population as well. Reading about dead Snow Geese on Seneca Lake isn't something to take lightly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hal 618 Posted February 3 I used to think the whole Avian Influenza thing was just a problem for commercial producers but with the Snow geese I too am starting to worry about the backyard flocks . As to how to slow this thing down, it going to take locking down the flock altogether and not letting anyone else in your chicken yard . I watched a program a while ago where a food processor installed a showering device on the entrance to the plant , not to shower the employees but just before they were to pass through it so their boots were rinsed with a solution of some sort . On a much smaller scale I think rinsing one’s boots before entering the chicken coop or yard is at least a start or attempt at stopping this from hitting your flock . I mean , what is the cost of a plastic tray and some bleach ( at the least ) as compared to losing your whole flock ?! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,699 Posted February 3 This is one of the reasons that, when people over the years have asked if I would take some birds off of their hands, the answer it always "no." Bio-security, even for a backyard coop, is important. Although with them free ranging, they're going to pick up whatever is out there anyway on their own. I recall being at a farm in Vermont where, before you walked into the main barn, which was the entrance to the rest of the operation, you walked through a shallow tray with a solution to kill anything on your shoes you may be dragging in. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,699 Posted February 3 2 hours ago, Hal said: I used to think the whole Avian Influenza thing was just a problem for commercial producers Well when you have thousands of birds crammed into one or two barns, it certainly isn't a healthy practice from the get-go. It's not natural, and you're practially begging for problems. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted February 5 Quote NEW YORK (AP) — Thinking about backyard chickens as egg prices soar? Think hard, especially in light of the bird flu outbreak. Keeping home chickens as a pastime has continued to grow since the pandemic. But if eggs are the goal, remember that it takes planning and investment to raise the chickens and protect against bird flu. Costs might go well beyond the nationwide average of $4.15 a dozen that commercial eggs sold for in December. “Anyone who’s done an ounce of research will very quickly understand that there are no free eggs, there are no inexpensive eggs in keeping chickens,” said Kathy Shea Mormino, a home chicken blogger and author who has about 50 of the birds at her Suffield, Connecticut, home. “You’re going to pay more, particularly in your first several years, in your set up and in your birds. And there’s a huge learning curve on how to care for animals that are really unusual pets,” said Mormino, who has kept chickens for 15 years and calls herself the Chicken Chick. Costs vary wildly, from about $200 to $2,000 for a coop alone. Feeders and waterers range from about $8 to $50 or more, depending on the size and type. Bird flu has forced farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month, contributing (along with inflation) to the steep price of commercial eggs and resulting in some scantily stocked stores around the country. The scarcity and high prices are causing some to look for a backyard alternative. “We’ve seen a real uptick in calls recently from people wanting to start their own backyard flocks. With the egg shortages at grocery stores, many are excited about the idea of raising chickens and taking steps toward sustainability,” said Matthew Aversa, a co-owner of Winding Branch Ranch, a nonprofit sanctuary and farm animal rescue outside San Antonio. “We adopt out whole flocks. We’re receiving at least a dozen inquiries per week,” he said. Read the rest of the article here. Does skyrocketing egg prices have YOU thinking about getting a few layers for your own backyard? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hal 618 Posted February 5 Yep , right up to the point when they find out raising and caring for , feeding , cleaning , waterers , feeders . Not to mention if they get sick ! There are a few of us well versed on the subject that can tell you it Ain’t for everyone… 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,699 Posted February 6 9 hours ago, Twin Tiers Living said: Mormino, who has kept chickens for 15 years and calls herself the Chicken Chick. Somehow, I have a strong feeling she has a YouTube channel and likely has for a long time. I don’t want to look though. 9 hours ago, Twin Tiers Living said: “We adopt out whole flocks Probably that came from people who realized there’s actual work involved when raising chickens. I hope they have room for more flocks if and when prices come down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hal 618 Posted February 6 (edited) 13 hours ago, Twin Tiers Living said: id Kathy Shea Mormino, a home chicken blogger and author who has about 50 of the birds at her Suffield, Connecticut, home. About 50 birds … lol , hold my beer ! At one time there were as many as three times that many here ,counting meat birds ,on the compound ! In the rush to have a backyard flock people should really think before doing so should first figure out just how many or how birds they actually need . I mean , it can be a fun endeavor but it can also turn sour in one hell of a hurry ! I would gladly go back to it again but for the feed costs … Edited February 6 by Hal 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ann 530 Posted February 6 It was reported on the news this morning that someone broke into an egg storage container and stole $100,00 worth of eggs. Guess armed guards will need to be hired 🤦♀️ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,699 Posted February 6 22 minutes ago, Ann said: $100,00 worth of eggs What's that, 12 dozen or so? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hal 618 Posted February 10 Might be a good time to get tight with your Local Purveyor of Rooster Bullets ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted February 16 Quote An older woman in southeast Wyoming is hospitalized with bird flu, state health department officials said Friday. It’s the state’s first human case of Type A H5N1 influenza, which is spreading through animals and some people. Nearly 70 people in the U.S. have been reported infected with bird flu in the last year, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though researchers and studies suggest that’s likely an undercount. The woman had a backyard flock of chickens that got sick and died, a CDC spokesperson said Saturday. The state health department said the woman, who lives in Platte County, Wyoming, likely had direct contact with the flock. It said she also has other health conditions and is hospitalized in another state. Read more here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,699 Posted February 16 This doesn't surprise me. And it's a very real possibility for any backyard chicken owner. Any poultry that are allowed to go outside will be exposed to wild birds, it's just that simple. And of course keeping them locked inside isn't possible, so... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted February 25 The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) today announced that it is implementing new testing requirements for all poultry entering New York’s live bird markets as part of its aggressive, proactive response to the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or the bird flu. This additional measure follows the State’s temporary shutdown of 82 live bird markets on February 7, 2025 to facilitate a break in HPAI virus transmission within the markets and further protect animal and public health. All live bird markets that had previously been closed have been cleaned, sanitized, and inspected and are now reopen. The State reminds farmers to follow good biosecurity measures and emphasizes that the risk to humans remains low. On February 7, Governor Hochul announced the temporary shutdown of 82 live bird markets in New York City and Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties. The order required those markets that did not have any detections of avian influenza to proactively sell down all inventory, complete cleaning and disinfection procedures, and remain closed for a period of five days after cleaning and disinfection. In addition, the Notice and Order further outlined quarantine and depopulation procedures for several markets in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn that did have confirmed detections of avian influenza. The February 7 Notice and Order followed those detections, which were discovered during routine surveillance conducted by AGM. Since then, all live bird markets have undergone cleaning and disinfection and have been inspected for reopening by AGM staff. There were no additional detections of HPAI. For purposes of moving poultry into a live bird market, all poultry shall only originate and move from a source flock, in which a minimum of 30 birds, or all birds for flocks less than 30 birds, aged seven days or older, have tested negative for avian influenza, as described below: All gallinaceous poultry and domestic ducks shall be tested using real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) method. The date of sample collection shall be within 72 hours prior to the date of entry into the New York live bird marketing system, and the shipment must be accompanied by a copy of the finalized laboratory report indicating that the poultry tested negative for avian influenza. Waterfowl, other than domestic ducks, shall be tested using the virus isolation method. Because negative avian influenza virus isolation results are not expected within 72 hours of sample collection, prior written notice and approval for movement of these bird shall be obtained from a Department veterinarian. All avian influenza testing described herein must be conducted at a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory. AGM, DOH, and DEC continue to collaborate closely on proactive measures to prevent the spread of HPAI and facilitate early detection, as the risk to humans remains low. The New York State Department of Health is also reminding the public that the finding of HPAI in this market does not present an immediate public health concern. Individuals working in the markets will be assessed for potential high-risk exposure and be monitored for symptoms by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene accordingly. If any become ill, they will be evaluated for infection with avian influenza. Since the start of 2024, there have been 67 human cases of avian influenza in the United States, and none of these have been in New York State. AGM encourages those involved in poultry production to practice good biosecurity measures and take extra steps to prevent their flocks from becoming infected. All poultry producers, from small backyard to large commercial operations, should review their biosecurity plans and take precautions to protect their birds. Poultry biosecurity materials and checklists can be found on the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website. In addition to practicing good biosecurity, poultry owners should keep their birds away from wild ducks and geese and their droppings. Outdoor access for poultry should be limited at this time, particularly as the State continues to see HPAI detections in wild bird populations. To report sick birds, unexplained high number of deaths, or sudden drop in egg production, please contact AGM’s Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593. The Department is also reminding the public that, according to the CDC, cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted February 27 Quote WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Agriculture Department predicts record egg pricescould soar more than 40% in 2025, as the Trump administration offered the first new details Wednesday about its plan to battle bird flu and ease costs. With an emphasis on farms tightening their measures to prevent bird flu’s spread, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA will invest another $1 billion on top of the roughly $2 billion it has already spent since the outbreak began in 2022. The main reason egg prices have climbed — hitting an all-time average high of $4.95per dozen this month — is that more than 166 million birds have been slaughtered to limit the virus’ spread when cases are found. Most were egg-laying chickens. Just since the start of the year, more than 30 million egg layers have been killed. Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 573 Posted February 27 Quote U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined a “five pronged strategy” to lower the cost of eggs in a Wednesday Wall Street Journal op-ed citing the avian flu as an influencing factor in price hikes. “The Agriculture Department will invest up to $1 billion to curb this crisis and make eggs affordable again. We are working with the Department of Government Efficiency to cut hundreds of millions of dollars of wasteful spending,” Rollins wrote. “We will repurpose some of those dollars by investing in long-term solutions to avian flu, which has resulted in about 166 million laying hens being culled since 2022.” Read the rest here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsKreed 1,715 Posted February 27 It made perfect sense to me last week when we saw reports of this disease spreading across the US through migratory birds. In contrast, it does not seem to make any sense that the crisis is confined to the US. Like the climate and pollution initiatives, addressing the issue on one continent is as useless as back when we had “no smoking” rows in airplanes. Quote The US produces more than 7.5 billion dozen eggs per year on average, according to the American Egg Board. That number will fall this year as the avian flu continues to claim the lives of more birds. “We support the temporary import of egg products to help ease the strain on the US egg supply as we navigate this challenging time of continued highly pathogenic avian influenza detections,” said Chad Gregory, president and CEO of United Egg Producers. “Like everyone, we want to solutions to this situation.” One solution, at least for now, is importing more eggs. In 2024, the United States imported 71 million eggs from Turkey, according to the USDA. This year’s imports will be nearly six times that based on the Egg Producers Central Union’s estimates. By July, Turkey will deliver 240 million eggs to the United States, with the rest coming by the end of the year. Turkey is the fifth-largest egg exporter in the world behind the Netherlands, United States, Poland and Germany. In 2023, Turkey exported $411 million worth of eggs worldwide, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Turkey’s export volume to the United States this year will total $37 million, according to the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey. Source It’s probably a good bet that the virus (like many others) originated in China (and I realize that we will not likely see reliable data from them)..... But make it make sense to me, that birds on other continents are unaffected by this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,699 Posted February 27 38 minutes ago, MsKreed said: But make it make sense to me, that birds on other continents are unaffected by this? I don't think it's that other continents are unaffected, but that it's more prevalent here. Part of that could be due to their regulations on importing poultry and poultry products, I don't know. If I had to name a reason, it'd be the factory farming practices here versus overseas. Or the size of those that exist, if any in, say Europe. I don't know off hand the differences. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
