OAN’s James Myers
12:03 PM – Wednesday, April 3, 2024
The nation’s largest raw egg producer announced it has temporarily closed one of its facilities in Texas after avian influenza was found in chickens. Officials also announced that the virus was detected at a poultry facility in Michigan.
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Calmaine Foods said one of its facilities in Palmer County had “tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, representing approximately 3.6% of the company’s total flock as of March 2. “The population of about 1.6 million egg-laying hens and 337,000 young hens has declined.” , 2024.
“Production at the facility has been temporarily suspended as we follow USDA-mandated procedures,” the report continued, adding, “Production at the facility has been temporarily suspended. “There is no risk and no eggs have been recovered.”
The egg production company’s latest closure comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Monday that someone in Texas has tested positive for bird flu.
“This individual had contact with dairy cows in Texas and is presumed to be infected with the HPAI A(H5N1) virus. The patient reported red eyes (consistent with conjunctivitis) as the only symptom. , and are on the mend,” the CDC said in a statement. “The patient has been told to isolate and is being treated with antiviral drugs for influenza.”
Additionally, there is no known risk of avian influenza in eggs currently on the market, and none have been recalled.
“This infection does not change the human health risk assessment of H5N1 avian influenza to the general U.S. population, which CDC considers to be low,” it added. “However, people who have close or long-term unprotected exposure to infected birds or other animals (including livestock) or environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals are at higher risk of infection. Masu.”
Additionally, it was reported that dairy cows in Kansas and Texas were infected with avian influenza last week. Associated Press.
Cal-Maine Foods said the company is “working to secure production from other facilities to minimize disruption to customers” and is “working with federal, state, and local officials to “We are working closely with key industry organizations to reduce the risk of infection.” Prepare for future outbreaks and effectively manage responses. ”
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