The bird flu outbreak in the U.S. has caused high egg prices and more than 166 million bird deaths, surprising researchers and the government. It is safe to eat chicken, eggs, and milk as cooking and pasteurization eliminate the virus. Farms are taking biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Chickens can be vaccinated, but challenges in testing for antibodies complicate the process. The government is investing in vaccines and therapeutics for poultry. The outbreak has hit egg farms hardest, and egg prices have risen significantly. Culling birds by methods like suffocation or gassing is a difficult process. Bird flu can spread rapidly among birds, but there is low risk of crop contamination or human-to-human transmission. The risk of a human pandemic remains, especially if the virus mutates. Scientists are developing vaccines for humans and cows, but FDA authorization is needed. The government is providing aid to affected farmers, and efforts are being made to control the outbreak. The impact of tariffs on egg prices is uncertain, and milk prices have not been affected due to cows’ ability to recover from the virus. Pet cats are at risk of infection, but dogs are less susceptible. While the risk to the general public is low, precautions should be taken when handling wild birds or their droppings.
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