Bird Flu: The Hidden Truth Behind the Crisis

The bird flu crisis has been raging for three years, with nearly 170 million farmed birds lost and 70 human infections reported. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $1 billion plan to tackle the issue. However, this plan might not be as effective as it seems. The strategy focuses on protecting against wild birds while allocating $400 million to support factory farming. This approach is questionable, as factory farms are often the root cause of such outbreaks. These farms cram tens of thousands of animals into unsanitary conditions, creating perfect breeding grounds for diseases. Workers in these facilities are also at risk, often working long hours with minimal protective gear. The USDA's plan to stabilize the market in the next few months might not be enough. The real problem lies in the factory farming practices that facilitate the spread of diseases. The situation is getting worse. Egg prices are projected to rise by 41 percent in 2025, and over 30 million egg-laying hens have already been culled this year. The USDA's focus on protecting animal agriculture's bottom line rather than public health is concerning. Factory farms are notorious for their unsanitary conditions. A study revealed that ventilation systems in these farms could spread bird flu through the air. The USDA reported that bird flu was spreading between cows on dairy farms via milking equipment. This equipment can remain contaminated for over an hour, increasing the risk of transmission. Meanwhile, animal agribusiness is thriving. A report shows a 157 percent inflation rate for eggs in the U. S. , with large egg companies potentially raising prices artificially. Major producers like Cal-Maine Foods, Tyson Foods, and Mountaire Farms are seeing significant profits. The price of a dozen eggs from Cal-Maine Foods has jumped from $1. 37 to $2. 74 since 2022. This situation is alarming, as there is no evidence yet that bird flu is spreading from person to person. However, the virus could evolve to pose a larger threat. This year, a U. S. child was infected with bird flu from an unknown exposure. Scientists are worried about the potential for the virus to mutate and become more severe. The government needs to act responsibly. Approximately 75 percent of human pathogens are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from animals to humans. Diseases like COVID-19, SARS, swine flu, and bird flu are all examples of this. The USDA must shift its support away from factory farming, which facilitates the spread of dangerous pathogens. To truly protect animals and people alike, the USDA should support a shift to a safer, more humane, and more sustainable plant-based food system. Otherwise, we will continue to face these crises repeatedly. For an administration focused on reducing waste and improving efficiency, this is unacceptable.