health-and-agriculture16.75 min read
New Report Warns Crop Nutrient Density Has Halved Since 1960s
5 days ago•Source: The Independent
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2.21 min•1 year ago
Hickman's Family Farms Loses 95% of Arizona Chickens to Bird Flu, Faces 2-Year Recovery
Hickman's Family Farms, the largest egg producer in the Southwest, has lost 95% of its Arizona chickens—about 6 million birds—due to a bird flu outbreak, prompting calls for vaccination approval and an estimated two-year rebuild period, amid ongoing concerns about avian influenza's impact on the poultry industry.
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Bird Flu Forces Culling of 4.2M Chickens at Iowa Egg Farm
NBC News•2 years ago
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"Spread of Avian Flu in Michigan Dairy Herds Prompts Concern"
WOODTV.com•2 years ago
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"Potential Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Among Dairy Farm Workers"
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported cases of highly contagious bird flu, H5N1, in dairy cow populations across six states, including Texas, Idaho, New Mexico, Kansas, Michigan, and Ohio. While the virus is considered "highly pathogenic" in birds, the risk to humans remains low, with the CDC stating that it is not a significant threat to the general public. The virus is believed to have originated from wild migratory birds, and while it spreads easily among animals, it is not easily transmitted to humans. Farmers are advised to monitor their cattle for signs of infection, and the FDA has issued a reminder that unpasteurized milk from infected animals could lead to infection. Despite the cases, both the FDA and USDA have stated that the loss of milk from infected animals is not significant enough to impact the supply of dairy products or consumer prices.
"Avian Influenza Outbreak: Impact on US Egg Production and Human Health"
Cal-Maine Foods, the largest US fresh egg producer, has halted production at a Texas plant after bird flu was found in chickens, resulting in the destruction of approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets. The company is working with government officials and industry groups to mitigate future outbreaks and minimize disruption to customers. There is no known bird flu risk associated with eggs currently in the market, and state and national agencies are providing updated guidance. Additionally, a person in Texas has been diagnosed with bird flu after contact with infected cows, marking the first known instance of a person catching this version of bird flu from a mammal.
Chronic Wasting Disease Detected at Sheboygan County Deer Farm
A 5-year-old buck on a Sheboygan County deer farm has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. The farm is now quarantined as authorities conduct an epidemiological investigation, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection regulates the farm for disease testing and movement.