Scientists warn that the continuing spread of the highly contagious and dangerous pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), aka bird flu, may become a threat to humans as the virus could mutate if left unchecked. Although no human cases have been identified, the disease has affected both wild birds and farmed poultry. The deadly flu, causing high mortality rates in flocks, has led to a new fear in the country as the outbreak can create a calamity in the poultry industry similar to what was seen 7 years ago. Federal authorities have urged poultry growers to inform if they find sick or dying birds, and to isolate them immediately to prevent the spread.
In 2015, the industry saw 50 million poultry deaths across 15 states that led the Federal Government to spend around $1 billion.
