"Avian Flu Outbreaks Devastate California's Poultry Industry"

Avian flu outbreaks have devastated poultry farms in California, with nearly a million birds being destroyed in Sonoma County alone. The highly contagious virus has also affected Merced County, prompting strict biosecurity measures and indoor confinement for poultry. The outbreaks have led to a spike in egg prices and raised concerns about the virus spreading from backyard flocks to commercial farms. Experts attribute the increased risk of outbreaks to climate change and changing migratory patterns of wild birds. Despite the challenges, affected farms are working to recover and rebuild their flocks.