One of the largest poultry farms in Texas is planning to cull nearly two million chickens this week after discovering a case of H5N1 bird flu.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced on Tuesday that the Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. poultry facility in Farwell received an official notice of a positive test for H5N1.
In a press release, the Texas Department of Agriculture explained, "Due to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidance for poultry infections, Cal-Maine will be required to depopulate 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets at their Farwell facility. This accounts for approximately 3.6% of the company's total flock as of March 2, 2024."
Chicken production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the flock is culled.
"This is absolutely devastating news for Cal-Maine and the entire Panhandle region which has already suffered so much already," Commissioner Miller said. “Given this latest development, all producers must practice heightened biosecurity measures. The rapid spread of this virus means we must act quickly."
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently confirmed a positive case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in a Texas dairy worker.
The Texas Department of Agriculture said "the individual became ill after interacting with cattle believed to be carrying the virus, exhibiting conjunctivitis as the primary symptom. This marks the second human case of H5N1 flu in the United States and the first associated with exposure to cattle."
The USDA has confirmed eleven H5N1 cases in dairy facilities in Texas, Kansas, Michigan, and New Mexico.
“The current risk to the public remains minimal,” Commissioner Miller emphasized. "It is important for us as an industry to maintain a high level of vigilance. State and national agencies will continue to provide updated guidance as developments warrant."
The press release explained:Cattle impacted by HPAI exhibit flu-like symptoms including fever and thick and discolored milk accompanied by a sharp reduction in milk production averaging between 10-30 pounds per infected cow. It is vital that dairy facilities nationwide practice heightened biosecurity measures to mitigate further spread.
Poultry may have no signs at all, mild respiratory signs like nasal discharge or sneezing, decreased feed consumption, ruffled feathers, and decreased egg production.
“Producers need to work with us and report cases right away,” added Commissioner Miller. “Transparency is going to be key to navigating and mitigating this outbreak. I encourage producers to work with state and national officials to report any symptomatic animals as soon as you identify them.”
