Bird Flu Found in Largest U.S. Fresh Egg Producer in Texas and Michigan Plants

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., a leading producer and marketer of fresh shell eggs in the United States, has announced that one of its facilities has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (“HPAI”).

The location of the new outbreak is located at a facility in located in Parmer County, Texas,

The company reported that approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, or approximately 3.6% of its total flock, have tested positive for the virus.

As a precautionary measure, the company has temporarily halted production at the affected facility.

“The Company remains dedicated to robust biosecurity programs across its locations; however, no farm is immune from HPAI. HPAI is still present in the wild bird population, and the extent of possible future outbreaks, with heightened risk during the migration seasons, cannot be predicted,” a statement by Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. reads.  

The company said it is actively working to secure production from other facilities to minimize disruption to its customers according to a press release.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of HPAI transmission to the general public is considered low, the statement read.  

In response to the outbreak, Cal-Maine Foods said it is closely collaborating with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as industry groups, to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks and manage the ongoing response effectively.

Last week, there were reports of bird flu infections among dairy cows in Texas and Kansas.

Federal agriculture officials confirmed infections in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently acquired cows from Texas.Top of Form

The company said Cal-Maine sells most of its eggs in the Southwestern, Southeastern, Midwestern, and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

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