FSM 344: Bird Flu – What It Means to Consumers

Transcript [Music] From Washington State University Extension, welcome to Food Safety in a Minute. Did you know since 2022, 175 million chickens, turkeys and other birds have been culled to stop the spread of bird flu also called avian influenza? The USDA has spent a billion dollars compensating farmers for culled flocks. For consumers this means shortages along with higher egg prices, poultry prices, and increased imports of eggs. Bird flu is on-going, one of the worst animal health issues on record. Recently, the USDA announced spending up to $100 million for research leading to a vaccine or other treatments to contain and stop bird flu. The National Chicken Council, United Egg Producers Industry group and others are also working to find safe, timely solutions. I’m Susie Craig. Thanks for listening. [Music] Resources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bird Flu. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/. Accessed online 7/25/25. Polansek, Tom. Exclusive: USDA Develops Potential Plan to Vaccinate Poultry for Bird Flu. Reuters (6/20/25). https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/usda-develops-potential-plan-vaccinate-poultry-bird-flu-2025-06-20/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=rasa_io&utm_campaign=newsletter. Accessed online 6/25/25.