Greg Herbruck, the CEO of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, was faced with a daunting decision. With 6.5 million birds infected with avian flu, he knew that drastic measures were necessary. The toll on his team, both financially and emotionally, was immeasurable. One employee even broke down in tears in his office, highlighting the intense mental strain of dealing with the loss of so many birds.
As the first hens tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in April 2024, Herbruck turned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture playbook for guidance. The “stamping-out” strategy, previously effective in ending the 2014-15 bird flu outbreak, was deployed within 24 to 48 hours of detecting the virus. State and federal officials worked tirelessly to cull infected flocks and minimize transmission risk, followed by extensive disinfection and ongoing surveillance.
The outbreak, which began three years ago, has posed significant challenges for egg farms across the country. Despite investing millions in biosecurity measures, the spread of the virus continues to threaten both animal and human health. Concerns have escalated due to the virus’s ability to infect mammals like dairy cows, with over 150 million birds affected in commercial and backyard flocks in the U.S.
Experts, including infectious diseases physician Nahid Bhadelia, have expressed growing alarm over the situation. The risk to human health is on the rise, with a significant increase in human cases reported since March. Bhadelia emphasizes the need for a new prevention strategy, given the unique challenges posed by the current outbreak.
For egg producers like Herbruck, the battle against avian flu feels like a war, with farms struggling to contain the virus despite stringent biosecurity measures. The industry is pleading for alternative strategies to combat the evolving threat. David Swayne, a leading expert in avian influenza, acknowledges the concerning spread of the virus across multiple mammal species and the potential risks it poses.
Despite the industry’s efforts to enforce biosecurity measures, the virus continues to outpace containment efforts. The lateral spread between farms has decreased significantly, but the virus remains resilient. Egg producers have implemented rigorous protocols, from truck washing stations to worker sanitation practices, yet the virus persists.
The debate over vaccinating poultry has emerged as a contentious issue within the industry. While some advocate for vaccination as a tool to control the spread of avian influenza, concerns about trade implications and vaccine effectiveness remain. John Clifford, an industry adviser, highlights the potential economic losses and job impacts associated with widespread vaccination.
The urgency to focus on reducing the risk to human health is paramount, according to Bhadelia. Vaccination could be a critical tool in preventing further infections and mutations of the virus. The USDA has announced plans to develop a vaccine stockpile matching current outbreak strains, signaling a potential shift in strategy.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, the industry remains determined to combat the virus and protect both animal and human health. The call for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts underscores the gravity of the situation. As the battle against avian flu rages on, the need for swift action and decisive measures is more crucial than ever.
