Bird Flu Spreads In The US: H5N1 Outbreak Hits Georgia Poultry Industry, CDC Share Prevention Tips

Bird Flu Wrecks Havoc In United States: The H5N1 bird flu virus has hit Georgia's poultry industry, marking the first commercial case in the state.

H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads In US: Highly infectious H5N1 virus, also known as the bird flu virus has tightened its grip on the United States. For the first time, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), has been detected in a commercial poultry flock in Georgia.

In its latest statement, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain in Elbert County.

This is not the first time that the County has reported H5N1 case. As per records, the new case marks the fifth case of H5N1 in Georgia since the outbreak began in 2022. However, it is the first case affecting a commercial poultry operation.

What Is H5N1 Virus: Bird Flu Explained

The H5N1 virus or bird flu, is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds but in recent times, experts have cautioned that this virus can also infect humans and other animals.

Studies have shown that the H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which is part of the Orthomyxoviridae family.

First identified in 1996 in geese in China, the H5N1 virus is known for its ability to mutate and adapt, which raises concerns about its potential to cause pandemics in humans.

H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Infection: Prevention Tips To Follow

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has asked everyone to remain vigilant with the sudden spike in H5N1 cases in the United States. To minimize the risk of H5N1 infection, experts recommend the following precautions:

1.     Avoid Contact with Wild Birds: The first step to follow is staying away from touching wild birds, whether they appear healthy or sick. In case any contact happens, make sure to get yourself checked.

2.    Use protective equipment such as gloves and masks while working on any poultry farm.

3.     Follow Hand Hygiene Practice: Make sure to always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling birds or poultry products. You can also consider using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

4.     Avoid Unpasteurized Products: Do not consume unpasteurized (raw) milk or products made from raw milk, as they can harbor pathogens.

5.     Cook Poultry Products Thoroughly: Many people have a common query -- should we eat poultry products when there is a bird flu outbreak? Well, the answer is yes, you can consume dairy and poultry products but make sure to always cook and boil them well (at a temperature of at least 165 F (74 C) to kill any potential viruses).

"This is a serious threat to Georgia's number one industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state's poultry industry," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "We are working around the clock to mitigate any further spread of the disease and ensure that normal poultry activities in Georgia can resume as quickly as possible."

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