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Bird Flu Outbreak Devastates PA Egg Farms
28 Feb
Summary
- Over 7.4 million chickens lost to bird flu in Pennsylvania last month.
- Unusually cold winter may have driven wild birds closer to farms.
- Pennsylvania is the fourth-largest state for egg production.
Bird flu has caused a catastrophic loss of 7.4 million chickens in Pennsylvania over the last month. This outbreak, which began four years ago nationwide, has now eliminated 196 million birds across the U.S.
Veterinarians and industry experts speculate that an unusually cold winter may be a contributing factor. The theory suggests frigid temperatures drove wild birds, which can carry the virus without succumbing, to seek food sources closer to poultry farms.
Pennsylvania, a major egg-producing state, is experiencing an accelerated crisis. Governor Josh Shapiro noted cases are occurring "dramatically earlier" than expected. The most significant losses have been concentrated in Lancaster County, an area with a high density of farms.
The U.S. government data indicates that since January 28, Pennsylvania farms with over 7 million birds have reported outbreaks. The culling of all birds at infected farms is standard procedure. Experts fear the situation may worsen with the upcoming spring migration of wild waterfowl.
