Bird Flu Cases Increase in U.S. States

Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, has issued a bird flu warning following the first confirmed case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a buzzard found in County Galway, urging bird keepers to enhance biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. This incident is the first on the island since September 2023, highlighting the ongoing threat of avian influenza to both wild and domestic birds. In the U.S., significant bird flu outbreaks have been reported, particularly in Iowa, where nearly 6 million laying hens have been affected across several recent incidents, prompting Governor Kim Reynolds to extend a disaster declaration for the area. The virus is believed to spread through migratory birds, and recent cases have also emerged in Missouri, raising public health concerns despite assurances that the risk to humans remains low. The USDA is set to implement a national testing program for bird flu in dairy cattle, following several confirmed cases in Iowa. Conservationists recommend that the public report dead birds and maintain hygiene practices to prevent the virus's spread.