Bird flu activity is rising again in the US. Here’s what to know

Poultry outbreaks across states

The largest outbreak is in Illinois, where close to 1 million chickens have been sickened. Federal data show 1.32 million birds affected at poultry farms nationwide over the past month.

Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin have also reported large outbreaks. A Minnesota turkey farm had 57,000 birds affected, while farms in North Dakota and Wisconsin reported 60,600 and 41,400 infections, respectively.

Since October 5, smaller outbreaks have been reported in California, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, Ohio, Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Kentucky and Washington. They involved backyard flocks as well as commercial farms.

Wildlife and other animals

Bird flu has been detected this month in Canadian geese, mallards, an American white pelican, a turkey vulture and an American black duck. A recent necropsy found that Jackie, a well-known California bald eagle, died of the virus in August.

The article says mink may be able to help the virus mutate toward human transmission because their lungs and airways are similar to people’s. Past research has found mink susceptible to spreading human viruses, including bird flu.

Human exposure and monitoring

People can become infected when the virus enters the eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fatigue, breathing difficulty and headaches; infections vary in severity and can cause fatal acute disease.

Egg prices remain a concern

When infected animals are slaughtered to slow the spread, egg supplies can fall because fewer chickens remain to produce eggs. This may push prices higher. In 2024, egg prices reached $8 to $10 per dozen. The increase became a campaign issue, with President Donald Trump promising to lower prices, and a symbol of rising food costs during post-Covid inflation.