Mark Gorton, a poultry farmer from Shropham, England, is on high alert after losing over 100,000 birds to bird flu during the devastating outbreaks of 2022. "We are doing everything we can to keep our birds safe, but this is a brutal disease," he stated. Following increasing avian influenza cases, officials have imposed new bird flu prevention measures, compelling bird owners across England, particularly in Norfolk, Suffolk, and parts of Essex and Cambridgeshire, to cage their flocks and boost biosecurity practices.
Since the start of 2024, 23 cases of bird flu have been confirmed, predominantly affecting birds in eastern England. Gorton recalled the emotional toll during the last significant outbreak, asserting, "You start with the mental and psychological impact of seeing your livestock dying...some of our farms were out of production for over a year which was financially crippling. Here we are in 2025 with cases on the rise again... And we are on high alert again." The situation is leading to fears of yet another devastating economic impact on poultry farmers.
The new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone applies to all bird keepers, requiring strict biosecurity measures, such as keeping free-range birds indoors and reducing exposure to wild birds. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs emphasized the low risk to human health, clarifying chicken and eggs are safe to eat if properly cooked.
The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) isn’t confined to England. South Korea is grappling with its own challenges, reporting 29 cases this season, with the latest outbreak originating from a duck farm in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province. The Agricultural Ministry stated they have quarantined about 32 nearby duck farms to curtail the expansion of the virus.
Japan is facing even graver circumstances, as approximately five million chickens and other birds were culled across five prefectures due to the H5N1 strain. New outbreaks were confirmed at poultry farms this month, leading officials to set up on-site response headquarters to combat worsening conditions. According to reports, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced, "The outbreaks showed no signs of slowing and the situation may worsen. The impact on egg prices has already been notable, increasing by 15 percent since the beginning of the year."
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has also been proactive amid rising concerns about avian influenza among Michigan's wildlife. Waterfowl hunters are advised of the health risks associated with the disease, as cases of HPAI have been identified not only among birds, but also among domestic cats and dairy cattle. Although the risk to humans remains low, there have been recorded cases of the virus infecting people, especially among those with direct contact with infected animals.
Mitch Marcus, DNR Wildlife Health supervisor, implored all Michiganders to remain cautious, saying, "While waterfowl hunters are much more likely to encounter wild birds, it’s important for all to understand the health risks..." Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and severe respiratory issues.
Precautions are being advised for all those who interact with birds, from hunters to farmers, including cooking poultry meat to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate any potential viruses and thorough washing of hands and equipment.
The surge of avian influenza cases across various countries highlights the importance of coordinated biosecurity efforts to mitigate the impact on both animal husbandry and public health. With increasing reports of bird flu and the possible ramifications on livestock and poultry production, experts urge vigilance among bird keepers and the general public. Awareness and strict adherence to biosecurity measures remain pivotal as the avian flu situation develops.
Authorities continue to monitor the environment for unusual die-offs of wild birds and report findings back to state wildlife officials, stressing the global nature of the threat from HPAI. To stay informed, individuals should consult guidelines from state departments and health organizations to stay updated on the best practices to safeguard both health and poultry.