Bird Flu, Biosecurity & the Future of Farming: With Michael Rhys of Barnwell Bio

Egg shortages, skyrocketing prices, and farms in crisis—avian flu has made its way back into the headlines, but what’s really happening behind the scenes? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Rhys, CEO & Co-Founder of Barnwell Bio, to explore how biosecurity technology is transforming the way we detect and prevent disease outbreaks in agriculture.Michael shares insights on why avian flu isn’t just a poultry problem, how farmers are navigating the crisis, and what changes—like vaccines and new regulations—could reshape the industry. Plus, we discuss the bigger picture: What happens when this crisis passes? Will we actually invest in long-term solutions, or just wait for the next disaster?If you’re curious about food security, farming innovation, or just wondering why your grocery bill keeps climbing, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How avian flu spreads—and why it’s so hard to contain✅ The hidden challenges farmers face in protecting their livestock✅ How Barnwell Bio is using waste monitoring to catch outbreaks early✅ What role vaccines and government policy play in the fight against disease✅ The real risks (and media myths) about avian flu in humansGuest Bio:Michael Rhys is the CEO & Co-Founder of Barnwell Bio, a company pioneering new ways to track and prevent disease in livestock. Previously, Michael and his team helped build the COVID-19 wastewater monitoring infrastructure, providing critical data for public health during the pandemic. Now, he’s applying that expertise to agriculture, helping farmers stay ahead of disease threats before they turn into full-blown crises.Resources & Links:🔗 Learn more about Barnwell Bio: www.barnwellbio.com or reach out to them here [email protected] 🔗 Read the latest TIME Magazine feature on Barnwell BioContinue the Conversation:💬 What are your thoughts on the avian flu crisis? 📩 Got questions or feedback? Reach out at [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & ReviewEnjoying the podcast? Make sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player and leave a review on Apple Podcasts —your support helps us keep bringing you important conversations like this one.