Why The Poultry Industry May Be In Danger

In early February, the federal government confirmed several highly pathogenic bird flu outbreaks, indicating that additional cross-country fowl infections could be found in the coming weeks. The avian flu was found in Kentucky, Virginia, and Indiana farms.

Among those affected is Tyson Foods, the US’s largest poultry company. Tyson Foods said in a statement that “the situation is not expected to impact our overall chicken production levels,” even with the outbreak.

Despite the recent outbreak, the CDC announced it posed a low risk to the general public, but warned poultry workers and other groups in close contact that they are at a higher risk. While it is unlikely to create a public health crisis, its impact on the poultry industry could create additional supply chain disturbances.