By Jamie Martin
The dairy and poultry industries are currently facing ongoing challenges due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Initially detected in 2022, this strain of avian flu is unusual as it continues to affect both dairy cattle and poultry during the typically safer summer months.
Recent reports have noted new cases in Colorado, marking the largest single-day outbreak in the U.S., affecting 3.4 million birds across several egg production facilities.
The dairy sector has seen some relief with fewer detections as summer progresses, totaling 172 cases in dairy cattle to date.
Despite this, milk production has dropped by 20 to 30 percent in affected areas, particularly in the South, where production decreased by about two percent.
Interestingly, the demand for milk also dropped by approximately two percent, maintaining stable prices despite reduced supply. As the situation improves, milk production is beginning to recover.
Looking ahead, the impact on turkey production becomes a concern, especially as the Thanksgiving season approaches. May turkey production saw a decline of about ten percent compared to the previous year.
With continued cases of avian flu, the market for turkey might experience volatility as the holiday, a peak time for turkey consumption in the U.S., draws near.
This ongoing situation underscores the need for vigilance and adaptive strategies in the dairy and poultry sectors to manage and mitigate the impacts of HPAI effectively.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: National