California’s Poultry Industry Faces Devastation as Avian Flu Outbreaks Unfold in the ‘Egg Basket’
Following government regulations, Weber’s company, Sunrise Farms, was required to cull its entire flock of 550,000 egg-laying hens to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza to other farms in Sonoma County, located north of San Francisco.
One year after the bird flu caused a surge in egg prices and widespread shortages, the same highly contagious virus is causing significant disruptions in California.
Unlike the earlier outbreaks that severely affected poultry farms in the Midwest, California is now grappling with the impact of the avian influenza.
The virus, which is spreading rapidly, has particularly devastated Sonoma County, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency.
In the past two months, nearly a dozen commercial farms in the region have had to euthanize over 1 million birds to contain the outbreak, resulting in economic hardships for farmers, workers, and consumers alike.
Outbreak Challenges in Merced County Egg Farms
Merced County, located in Central California, has also experienced significant challenges, facing outbreaks at several large commercial egg farms in recent weeks.
Experts attribute the spread of bird flu to migratory birds such as ducks and geese.
These waterfowl can carry the virus without displaying symptoms and easily transmit it to chicken and turkey farms, as well as backyard flocks, through droppings and nasal discharges.
In response to the outbreak, California poultry farms are implementing stringent biosecurity measures.
State Veterinarian Annette Jones has advised farmers to keep their flocks indoors until June, including organic chickens that are typically required to have outdoor access.
Bill Mattos, President of the California Poultry Federation, emphasized the need for continued vigilance, stating, “We still have migration going for another couple of months. So we’ve got to be as vigilant as possible to protect our birds.”
The decrease in the local hen population resulted in a surge in egg prices in the San Francisco Bay Area during the holiday season, prompting supermarkets and restaurants to seek suppliers from other areas.
