Bird flu spreads in the US

As of October 23, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) situation in the United States has worsened, with 12 commercial turkey flocks confirmed to be affected in four states. Among the affected counties, eight of nine reported H5N1 infections earlier this year, suggesting the virus may become endemic in the local environment and among local wild birds.

The outbreak has not only caused concern in the poultry industry, but has also led to increased trade restrictions. Mexico, an important destination for U.S. poultry and related products, has suspended all poultry imports from four affected states: Minnesota, South Dakota, Utah and Iowa.