January 19, 2021

US discovers more bird flu cases, confirms strain

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has discovered two more cases of highly pathogenic avian flu among wild birds and confirmed the country's first bird flu case two days ago as the H5N1 strain, Reuters reported.

Carol Cardona, a professor of avian health at the University of Minnesota, said it is rare for the strain to spread to North America.

The latest case was detected in Colleton County, South Carolina and Hyde County, North Carolina.

The USDA has advised poultry producers to review their safety protocols to ensure their flock's health and recommended people to wear gloves when handling wild birds.

Cardona said producers should ensure that the virus does not enter their farms.

-      Reuters