How Did Bird Flu Decimate 95% of Animals at Major Arizona Farm?

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SUMMARY

The recent outbreak of bird flu has devastated Hickman Farms in Arizona, resulting in the death of 6 million laying hens, which constitutes 95% of the farm's animal population. This catastrophic event highlights the ongoing threat of avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain. The USDA has conditionally approved a vaccine by Zoetis, set for use in February 2025, marking a significant shift in the U.S. approach to managing avian flu outbreaks. However, concerns remain regarding the potential for the virus to evolve if vaccination is not implemented cautiously.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of avian influenza virus strains, particularly H5N1
  • Familiarity with poultry farming practices and biosecurity measures
  • Knowledge of vaccine development and regulatory processes in agriculture
  • Awareness of the implications of animal disease outbreaks on trade and public health
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifics of the Zoetis vaccine for avian influenza and its approval process
  • Investigate biosecurity measures implemented in poultry farms to prevent disease outbreaks
  • Study the impact of avian influenza on poultry trade and market dynamics
  • Explore the potential consequences of H5N1 evolution due to vaccination strategies
USEFUL FOR

Poultry farmers, veterinarians, agricultural policymakers, and public health officials will benefit from this discussion, particularly those involved in managing avian influenza outbreaks and vaccine implementation strategies.

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TL;DR
Bird flu hits Hickman Farms, Arizona. 6 million layers have died.
Killer virus sweeps through state as 95% of animals at one of country's biggest farms are wiped out
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/worl...tp&cvid=583176a92f0b4bc5c3c66842a45e2d54&ei=9

Never ending.

[ ps. only 2 birds died at the ostrich farm out of around 300 in BC, Canada Agriculture wants to cull the rest, so far not due to opposition. are these now immune ]
 
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256bits said:
TL;DR Summary: Bird flu hits Hickman Farms, Arizona. 6 million layers have died.

Killer virus sweeps through state as 95% of animals at one of country's biggest farms are wiped out
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/worl...tp&cvid=583176a92f0b4bc5c3c66842a45e2d54&ei=9

Never ending.

[ ps. only 2 birds died at the ostrich farm out of around 300 in BC, Canada Agriculture wants to cull the rest, so far not due to opposition. are these now immune ]


Trump admin USDA conditional approval 2/2025 of Zoetis vaccine
https://www.science.org/content/article/u-s-conditionally-approves-vaccine-protect-poultry-avian-flu

Previously - "The United States has not authorized the use of avian influenza vaccines because of the trade implications, hoping culling will stop its current outbreak."
and
"Some researchers are concerned that vaccinating, if not done carefully, will allow H5N1 to persist and continue to mix with strains in wild birds, with the risk that it might evolve to spread among people."
https://www.science.org/content/article/wrestling-bird-flu-europe-considers-once-taboo-vaccines
 
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