Bird Flu's Devastating Impact On Chicken Population

Bird flu, or avian influenza, has been a significant concern for the agricultural industry in recent years, with the highly pathogenic H5 virus causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows worldwide. While human cases have been relatively low, with around 70 cases and one death in the US since 2024, the impact on bird populations has been devastating. In the US alone, over 20 million chickens have been killed due to bird flu in a single quarter, with similar outbreaks occurring in Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, and other countries. These outbreaks have contributed to rising egg prices and concerns about food security. The situation underscores the urgent need for effective surveillance, prevention, and control measures to mitigate the spread of bird flu and protect both animal and human health.

Over 20 million US chickens have been killed by bird flu

The highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus has wreaked havoc in the US, resulting in the death of over 20 million chickens. This unprecedented loss has significantly impacted the country's egg industry, driving egg prices to record highs. The outbreak has affected multiple states, with Delaware alone reporting 465,625 chicken deaths.

The bird flu outbreak in the US began in February 2022 when the virus was first detected in a poultry farm in Indiana. Despite the culling of 29,000 turkeys to contain the outbreak, the virus spread rapidly across the nation. By 2025, the virus had reached all 50 states, infecting and resulting in the culling of over 166 million commercial birds.

The situation has been especially dire for egg producers, with one of the largest egg producers in the US, Hickman's Family Farms, losing 95% of their chicken population in Arizona. This loss has not only impacted their ability to meet customer demands but has also resulted in staff reductions as the farm works to restock over the next two years.

The federal government's cancellation of plans to develop a bird flu vaccine has drawn criticism from experts, who argue that it puts the health of Americans at risk. The decision to terminate a $766 million contract with Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine has left the country vulnerable to the evolving virus.

The outbreak has had severe economic and social consequences, with rising egg prices affecting consumers and taxpayers bearing the cost of lost birds. The poultry industry has been grappling with the challenge of containing the virus, and the long-standing practice of culling infected flocks has come under scrutiny. As the nation faces the reality of H5N1's persistent presence, new strategies for managing the virus are being considered.

Bird flu precautions and disposal of dead birds

As of May 2025, bird flu has been responsible for the deaths of about six million birds, including 465,625 chickens in Delaware and 95% of Arizona's chicken population. The outbreak has spread to 16 states and affected nine commercial flocks on Delmarva.

Precautions

The CDC recommends that people avoid sources of exposure to bird flu, especially those with job-related or recreational exposure to birds or other infected animals. This includes not visiting poultry farms, bird markets, or places where live poultry are kept or sold. Cooking poultry, eggs, and beef to the appropriate internal temperature kills any bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses. It is also recommended to get a seasonal flu vaccine, although this will not protect against H5N1 bird flu.

Disposal of Dead Birds

If you find five or more dead birds on your property, contact your local wildlife biologist or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services. When disposing of dead birds, it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, a mask, safety goggles, and a disposable raincoat or plastic trash bag over your clothes. Double-bag each bird, zip-tie the bag, and put it in your garbage can. Wash your hands afterward, and remove and dispose of your PPE carefully.

Bird flu affects other birds, cows, and humans

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. It is caused by infection with avian influenza Type A viruses, which have been isolated from over 100 different species of wild birds globally. These viruses occur naturally in wild aquatic birds, such as ducks, geese, and swans, and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. While some bird species may not exhibit any symptoms, the disease can sicken and even kill certain domesticated birds, including chickens.

In Delaware, the recent bird flu outbreak has resulted in the culling of 465,625 chickens to prevent the spread of the virus. This highly pathogenic bird flu, also known as H5 or HPAI, spreads rapidly through nasal and eye secretions and manure. It primarily affects wild bird species but can also impact other animals, including seals, cattle, and cats.

Bird flu can also affect mammals, including cows. In March 2024, a multistate outbreak of HPAI A(H5N1) bird flu in dairy cows was first reported, marking the initial detection of bird flu viruses in cows. H5N1 bird flu infections have been found in various mammals, including wild and domestic animals, such as foxes, cats, and farm animals like cows.

Additionally, bird flu can, in rare instances, affect humans. While most strains do not infect people easily and are not typically transmitted between humans, several global cases have been reported. Certain strains, such as H5N1, H7N9, and H5N6, have resulted in a small number of infections and even deaths worldwide. However, the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu, and symptoms can progress rapidly, potentially leading to severe complications like pneumonia.

Bird flu has impacted egg prices

Bird flu has had a significant impact on egg prices, causing them to soar to record highs. The outbreak, which began in 2022, has led to the culling of more than 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds, with the majority being egg-laying chickens. This sudden reduction in supply has resulted in a surge in egg prices, with the average price of a dozen large Grade A eggs increasing by 65% in 2024. The situation has been further exacerbated by the long-term increase in demand for eggs as a source of protein.

The impact of bird flu on egg prices has been felt across the country, with prices in California being 60% higher than in other regions due to additional regulatory burdens. The USDA predicts that egg prices will continue to rise by another 20% in the coming year. The high prices have also affected consumers, with some opting for cheaper conventional eggs instead of premium organic or free-range options. This shift in demand has resulted in a faster price increase for conventional eggs.

To address the issue, the USDA has invested up to $1 billion to combat avian flu and reduce egg prices. The five-pronged approach includes improving biosecurity measures, indemnifying producers, accelerating repopulation, removing regulatory burdens, and evaluating international best practices. The goal is to minimize the depopulation of egg-laying chickens and increase the domestic supply of eggs.

The situation has also highlighted the need for vaccines and therapeutics to prevent future outbreaks. While the federal government had initially planned to develop a vaccine, the contract was canceled due to concerns about the safety of the mRNA technology. However, critics argue that the decision puts the health of Americans at risk, especially if the virus evolves to spread from person to person.

The impact of bird flu on egg prices has been significant, causing financial strain on consumers and affecting the operations of egg producers. With the ongoing outbreak and the time required to rebuild flocks, egg prices are expected to remain high in the near future.

Bird flu has led to job losses

Bird flu has been a significant concern in the United States, with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus affecting both wild birds and poultry. In Delaware, the bird flu outbreak has resulted in the culling of 465,625 chickens to prevent the spread of the virus. This has had a significant impact on the poultry industry in the region, affecting commercial flocks in multiple counties.

One notable example of the impact of bird flu on jobs is the case of Hickman's Family Farms in Arizona. The farm, one of the largest egg producers in the country, lost 95% of its chicken population due to the bird flu. As a result, the company was forced to reduce its staff. Glenn Hickman, the CEO, expressed his regret over the situation, acknowledging the impact on employees and their families. The company also faced challenges in fulfilling customer demands for the first time in 81 years.

The outbreak has also affected other states, with reports of bird flu in 16 states across the country. The federal government's response to the bird flu outbreak has been a subject of controversy. The Trump administration decision to cancel plans to develop a bird flu vaccine and terminate positions supporting the response to the outbreak has drawn criticism from experts. The cancellation of the contract with Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine raised concerns about the health and safety of the American people.

The bird flu outbreak has had a significant economic impact on the poultry industry as a whole. In addition to job losses, the outbreak has resulted in a reduction in poultry supply and disrupted the operations of egg producers. The federal government's decision to terminate contracts with vaccine companies has also been met with criticism, as experts worry about the potential for the virus to spread further and affect more people. The lack of a vaccine could prolong the outbreak and lead to further job losses in the industry.

While the exact number of job losses due to the bird flu outbreak is unclear, it is evident that the situation has had a significant impact on the poultry industry and the livelihoods of those employed in this sector. The outbreak has highlighted the importance of proactive measures, such as vaccination, in preventing widespread outbreaks and mitigating their economic consequences.

Frequently asked questions