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Washington D.C. – The United States has confirmed its first outbreak of the highly pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza virus since 2017, sparking concerns among health officials. The outbreak was detected at a commercial poultry farm in Noxubee County, Mississippi, involving a flock of 47,654 broiler breeder chickens.
According to reports released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the outbreak was confirmed on March 13th, following the observation of increased bird deaths at the facility. This detection comes at a time when the US is already grappling with the spread of the H5N1 bird flu strain, which has affected both poultry and, more recently, dairy cattle.
The H7N9 strain is of particular concern due to its historically high mortality rate in humans. Information from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that globally, the H7N9 virus has resulted in a significant percentage of deaths among those infected.
Key points of the outbreak include:
- The outbreak occurred in a commercial broiler breeder chicken farm in Noxubee, Mississippi.
- The virus strain is H7N9, which has a history of high human mortality rates.
- The affected birds have been depopulated to control the spread of the virus.
- The confirmation of the outbreak was made on March 13th, 2025.4
- Authorities are working to monitor and prevent further spread.
Health officials are emphasizing that while avian influenza viruses can pose a risk to humans, current assessments indicate that transmission from person to person is not occurring easily. However, vigilance and continued monitoring are crucial.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working with state and local authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on currently available information and is intended for informational purposes only. The situation regarding avian influenza is dynamic, and information may change. Readers are advised to consult with official health authorities and reliable sources for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
