The Growing Threat of Avian Flu: A Battle Farmers Are Struggling to Win

In the spring of 2024, the poultry industry in the United States faced an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 that threatened not only millions of birds but also raised concerns about its growing risk to humans. For farmers like Herbruck, whose Poultry Ranch in Michigan is one of the largest egg producers in the country, the battle against bird flu has become an unrelenting war.

Despite implementing strict biosecurity measures—requiring workers to shower in and out of facilities, disinfecting every vehicle entering the farm, and even using laser deterrent systems to keep wild birds away—the virus has continued to spread. "I call this virus a terrorist," Herbruck said. "And we are in a battle and losing, at the moment."

A Crisis That Won’t End

The strategy to contain the virus has remained largely the same since the last major outbreak in 2014-2015: infected flocks are culled within 24-48 hours, followed by extensive disinfection and months of surveillance. But this time, experts say, the virus is more entrenched, not only among poultry but also in mammals, including dairy cows.

The numbers are staggering. More than 147 million birds in commercial and backyard flocks have been affected across the U.S., and 66 of the 68 total human cases in the country have been recorded just since March. Most human cases have been mild, but in April, the U.S. reported its first fatality—a Louisiana resident who had contact with wild birds and backyard poultry.

Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, an infectious disease expert from Boston University, warns that the increasing number of human infections and the virus's spread into mammal species is deeply concerning. "The last six months have accelerated my concern, which was already high," she said.

The Limits of Biosecurity

Backyard flock owners face a different challenge. Unlike large commercial farms, where millions of dollars have been spent on biosecurity, small-scale poultry keepers struggle to prevent infections. Michigan State University educator Katie Ockert has observed that backyard chicken owners fall into two extremes: those who take biosecurity seriously and those who dismiss the warnings altogether.

For Rosemary Reams, an 82-year-old retired educator in Michigan, protecting her flock of 20-30 chickens has become a personal mission. She even replaced live birds with plastic ones in 4-H competitions to protect children from potential exposure. "We made changes to the fair last year, which I got questioned about a lot," she said. "But I gotta think about the safety of the kids."

Yet, despite all these efforts, bird flu continues to devastate commercial farms, leaving the poultry industry scrambling for solutions.

The Vaccine Debate

Many experts and industry leaders now believe that vaccination is the next crucial step in controlling H5N1. Countries like China, Egypt, and France have already implemented poultry vaccination programs, and in 2023, the World Organization for Animal Health urged more nations to follow suit.

Dr. David Swayne, a leading expert on avian influenza, believes vaccination could be a powerful tool to protect both animals and humans. "It reduces chances for human infection and additional mutations of the virus to become more human-adapted," he explained.

However, the poultry industry faces a major obstacle: international trade. If the U.S. vaccinates its poultry, it could lose billions in exports because vaccinated birds might mask infections, making it difficult for trading partners to ensure disease-free products. John Clifford, former Chief Veterinary Officer for the USDA, warned that vaccinating poultry could result in a $6 billion loss in exports and up to $18 billion in domestic economic losses.

Still, some argue that the industry can no longer afford to wait. Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, believes the virus is outpacing current control measures. "We're desperate, and we need every possible tool," she said. "Right now, we're fighting this virus with at least one, if not two, arms tied behind our back."

What Comes Next?

Earlier this month, the USDA announced plans to pursue a vaccine stockpile tailored to the current outbreak strain. While logistical and trade concerns remain, many believe that without vaccination, the poultry industry—and possibly public health—will continue to suffer devastating consequences.

Dr. Bhadelia emphasized the urgency of the situation. "The lesson we keep learning every single time is that if we'd acted earlier, it would have been a smaller problem," she said.

For now, farmers, scientists, and public health officials remain locked in a battle against an evolving virus—one that threatens not just chickens and turkeys, but the people who rely on them.

This story is based on reporting from NPR. Read the story here: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/02/nx-s1-5282389/avian-bird-flu-eggs-prices-cull-usda-michigan-poultry-influenza-farmer-vaccination-h5n1?fbclid=IwY2xjawIQfTNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRJDrFPMmP2ce6qgksBuXt_WIq1NPYnBtiuYwA2KZ24OBI18SF1PMrb9Bg_aem_uLjmxaPgl8lz_xK14CCEGg