Elliot Fylstra|Marlin Chronicle
A local veterinarian, Hunt Club Farm and Sodexo employees share the impacts of increased cases.
As of March 13, there have been over 166 million reported poultry affected by an outbreak of the H5 Bird Flu that began in late 2024, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bird Flu is a virus that affects poultry and cattle that, although rare, can be transmitted to humans through exposure to the mouth, eyes or nose, as well as inhalation.
The CDC has said that the current spread of the disease is at low risk and there is no known person-to-person spread. According to the CDC, the best way to steer clear of the Bird Flu is to avoid contact with contaminated surfaces. The CDC has said some symptoms of Bird Flu are: eye redness, mild flu, Pneumonia and fever.
Food in the United States is monitored to avoid contamination. “We have one of the safest supply systems in the world. Part of that is due to inspections. Whether it’s poultry, cows or any meat animal, it gets inspected fully, multiple times throughout the process, to make sure they’re not showing signs of any disease before they go to slaughter. Only birds that test negative for influenza are allowed to leave the farm to go to the processing plant,” Dr. Charlie Broaddus, a veterinarian, told WDBJ television station.
Since the Bird Flu is a disease spread by the migration of birds, Broaddus recommended keeping cattle or birds away from ponds. Broaddus also said that even if infected supplies were to make it to people’s homes, once the product is fully cooked, the virus is deactivated.
When it comes to the food supply, according to Coop Food Store, it is possible that egg prices will rise. There has already been a rise in prices because of contributing factors like increased demand which leads to the question of whether or not panic-buying similar to what was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic will occur.
“I think the difference here is between a perishable good and a non-perishable good,” Landon Rockwell, a senior Biology major and student Sodexo employee, said. “When it comes to getting protein, there are alternative resources, vegetable proteins and other meats that are less affected.”
The Bird Flu outbreak is currently being closely monitored by the CDC. As for VWU, those who provide food services on campus are also putting a careful eye on the issue.
“Thus far, dining services at [VWU] have not seen a significant impact associated with poultry and egg shortage concerns that the country is experiencing at this time,” General Manager of Dining Services Tim Lockett said. “Of course, being in food service, we are closely monitoring information and guidance around this issue and will address it accordingly if and when necessary.”
The Bird Flu has also affected Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach. Co-owner Randi Vogel said in a recent article that some of their birds had begun to die. “It was really alarming to me because we had a goose die, and our geese typically don’t die,” Vogel said.
The infected birds at Hunt Club had to be euthanized. Their petting farm, which was a popular attraction for visitors, is now temporarily closed. Vogel gave some advice for other bird owners–to monitor their animals and keep the area as clean and sanitized as possible.
Since the CDC considers the current Bird Flu outbreak highly pathogenic, the Environmental Protection Agency has provided guidance on proper carcass removal and biosecurity to prevent the disease from spreading. According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Bird Flu has the potential to disrupt ecosystems and food chains and this disease can wipe out entire flocks in a matter of days.
“I think this will reduce the effects of factory farming on the environment because of the high number of birds that have been dying,” Jocelyn Kaelin, a freshman Environmental Studies major, said. “Also, as a result of the decreasing supply and increasing prices, consumers will have the incentive to search for cheaper substitutes for eggs and will move away from purchasing them.”
Kaelin spoke about exploring the opportunity of alternatives to eggs. “I think it is likely that egg alternatives like tofu and egg imitations will see an increase in sales, and since many egg substitutes are plant-based and require less resources, the environmental impact stands an even greater chance of decreasing,” she said.
To follow the disease’s status, the CDC website is updated Monday through Friday after 4 p.m.
By Mia Diehl
