Avian Flu Outbreak Impacts Thousands of Birds Nationwide

In response to suspected avian flu outbreaks, significant measures are being taken across the U.S., including the culling of 64,000 birds in County Tyrone, Ireland, and a complete cull of 119,000 ducks in California due to the H5N9 strain. The recent H5N1 strain has led to increased bird deaths and human infections, with reports of a farm worker in Ohio being the latest case. In Indiana, an unusual spike in dead red-breasted mergansers has raised concerns among local residents, prompting state agencies to monitor the situation closely. Utah has also seen a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza, affecting at least 16 counties and leading to thousands of bird deaths, particularly among eared grebes. Experts emphasize that this strain is highly contagious among birds and poses risks to wildlife and agriculture, with human cases remaining rare but concerning. Authorities continue to encourage caution and reporting of dead birds to manage the spread effectively.