A bird flu outbreak of the deadly H7N9 strain has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Noxubee, Mississippi. This marks the first outbreak of this specific strain since 2017, according to Fox News.
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the infection of nearly 50,000 commercial broiler-breeder chickens last week. Officials quickly quarantined the area and depopulated the birds to prevent further spread. Authorities also assured the public that none of the infected birds entered the food supply.
“Samples of the flock were tested at the Mississippi Veterinary Research & Diagnostic Laboratory and came back positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza,” the State of Mississippi Board of Animal Health announced in a press release on March 12. Investigations into the outbreak are ongoing.
A different bird flu strain, H5N1, has significantly impacted poultry in recent years and was responsible for one human fatality in the U.S., according to Reuters.
WebMD chief medical officer Dr. John Whyte advised against excessive worry but recommended cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees for safety.
Additionally, bird flu has been detected in cats in New York City, linked to raw pet food, according to CBS New York. However, no human cases have been reported.
Dr. Myles Druckman, global medical director at International SOS, noted that since its discovery, H7N9 has infected over 1,500 people, with a 40% fatality rate. He advised avoiding live animal markets, handling birds, and touching contaminated surfaces. Proper handwashing and thoroughly cooking poultry remain crucial safety measures.
In February, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans to collaborate with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on tackling avian flu
