By Andi Anderson
A recent bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in western Ohio, affecting a commercial flock in Mercer County. The USDA reported that 1.4 million egg-laying chickens are impacted by the highly contagious avian influenza. This follows a similar case in Darke County weeks earlier.
“We've considered this to be ongoing, and it's had that roller coaster up and down where we've had some spikes,” said Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “Unfortunately, right now, we are kind of at a high-level spike where we've had a number of cases here recently.”
To control the spread, farmers have resorted to culling infected birds. According to USDA data, over 3 million commercial chickens and turkeys in the state are affected.
This outbreak could impact grocery store prices, particularly for eggs and poultry, Baldridge noted. However, he reassured consumers that properly cooked chicken and eggs remain safe to eat, and the risk of humans contracting bird flu is minimal.
Authorities and farmers continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Poultry