While the number of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases across the U.S. have outpaced the 2014-2015 outbreak, experts say the one key to controlling the spread of it is fast reaction to reported detections.
Even so, USDA economist Matt Maclachlan notes avian influenza this year has caused the loss of about 2 million laying hens. And when it comes to consumers paying higher prices, this has contributing to retail eggs costing 32% more than one year ago.
Poultry flock owners are still encouraged to closely observe their birds and report a sudden increase in the number of sick birds or bird deaths.