Archive · 25 Oct 2025
Bird Flu Resurges Amid Government Shutdown, Raising Concerns
Bird flu is back and spreading again in the US, affecting birds and some cows.
The government is currently shut down, which means some people who usually help track the disease aren't working as usual.
This makes it harder to know where the disease is spreading and how to stop it.
This could lead to higher prices for turkey and eggs for Thanksgiving.
The virus has also changed and now affects more types of animals, and there is a risk to human health, too.
Experts are worried this could get worse before it gets better.
Bird flu has resurged, affecting millions of farmed birds.
The government shutdown has hindered disease monitoring and communication.
Outbreaks have been reported in poultry, dairy cows, and wild birds.
Higher prices for eggs and turkeys are expected.
The virus has evolved and affected more species, including humans.
- Who
- Experts, officials, and government agencies like the CDC and USDA are involved.
- What
- The resurgence of bird flu, occurring during the government shutdown, affects poultry, dairy cows, and wild birds.
- When
- The uptick in bird flu began earlier this fall and is expected to accelerate in the coming months.
- Where
- United States, with outbreaks in poultry farms, dairy farms, and wild bird populations across multiple states.
- Why
- The government shutdown has hampered surveillance and communication, potentially worsening the spread and impact of the bird flu.
- Affected Birds
- Nearly 7 million farmed birds in the US since Sept.
- Impacted Species
- Poultry, dairy cows, wild birds (including endangered species)
- Government Impact
- Shutdown impacting surveillance and communication.
- Turkey Price Increase
- Wholesale prices 40% higher than last year.
- Human Cases
- At least 70 reported, with hospitalizations and one death.
- Affected Dairy Herds
- Over 1,000 in 18 states.