Bird flu found in western China as US combats cattle outbreak
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CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update May 17, 2024
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Bird flu outbreak causes mass layoff at Michigan egg supplier
Egg producer’s Michigan flocks hit by avian influenza
BOSTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – An estimated 400 workers will be laid off by a poultry ranch that operates several mid-Michigan farms due to a bird flu outbreak.
Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, a Michigan company that produces and distributes eggs in the U.S., said this week that it plans to lay off hundreds of employees, though largely temporarily. The company’s hen populations at several of its farms in mid-Michigan have been “unexpectedly impacted by the avian influenza,” impacting operations, officials said.
Herbruck’s sells regular and organic eggs in the U.S., and supplies eggs sold by the popular brand Eggland’s Best.
In a required letter written to Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Herbruck’s wrote this week that layoffs would begin Wednesday, May 15 due to the outbreak. About 400 hourly, salaried, and contracted employees were expected to be laid off from five of the company’s farms in Ionia County, just east of the Grand Rapids area.
The layoffs were expected to be “largely temporary,” though some layoffs would be permanent, Herbruck’s wrote. It was not specified which workers would be temporarily laid off.
Many workers will be rehired in the future as “hen replenishing and egg production increases,” officials said.
The bird flu is an upper respiratory illness that spreads quickly among bird populations through direct contact with infected birds, or indirectly through contact such as with contaminated equipment, or clothing and shoes of caretakers. Highly pathogenic bird flu — which was first reported in Michigan in 2022 — can cause serious disease and death, especially among domestic poultry, according to the USDA.
Cases of the bird flu have been on the rise this year, affecting the poultry industry in the U.S. and beyond. Egg prices reached near-historic highs in many parts of the world earlier this year as the market deals with the disease and other issues like rising farming costs.
—> Bird flu found in Michigan commercial poultry flock: What to know
Bird flu has also been impacting other animals and markets, with viruses found in cow milk products. Dairy cattle in Michigan tested positive for the bird flu earlier this year.
Officials say they’re confident that the nation’s beef supply is safe. The USDA also said in April that it would be testing ground beef for the bird flu.
Health officials are urging people to avoid consuming raw, or unpasteurized, milk or milk products, particularly as the bird flu spreads. These products may contain bacteria and viruses that aren’t killed off as they would normally be during the pasteurization process.
—> There’s bird flu in US dairy cows. Raw milk drinkers aren’t deterred
Federal Experts Talk Bird Flu ‘What Ifs’ in WebMD Live Event
Kelowna raccoon injured by misused trap sparks discussion
The raccoon is still believed to be alive but is now missing its front limb
Jacqueline Gelineau
about 23 hours ago
- https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/trending-now/kelowna-raccoon-injured-by-misused-trap-sparks-discussion-7360852
Animal welfare experts are speaking out and asking the public to think twice before setting traps on their property after an injured raccoon was spotted with a snare stuck to its leg on May 2.
Sydney Shepherd, executive director of the Wild Things Rehabilitation Society, said the animal rescue organization was contacted after a resident in Kelowna’s Mission neighbourhood spotted a raccoon whose front leg was stuck in an unsecured trap.
In an effort to catch and help the critter, Wild Things and B.C. Conservation Officers set up live traps nearby.
Ken Owens, a Conservation Officer in Kelowna said that based on the photos and video of the injured raccoon, it looks like it was ensnared in an ‘egg trap’ which is designed to capture raccoon by front paw.
“Egg traps when used and not securely fastened by property owners create this situation,” said Owens.
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“Each year we receive several calls to our RAPP line related to injured raccoons running around town with egg traps, attached to their paws.”
Unfortunately, the attempts to catch and free this raccoon were unsuccessful and sightings over the following two weeks revealed the animals still to be ensnared, said Shepherd.
After disappearing for several days, the raccoon reappeared with its entire lower front limb and hand missing.
“The suffering endured by this young raccoon deeply saddens us,” said Shepherd.
Shepard added that urban environments present unique challenges for wildlife and said that is important to necessitate “humane solutions for peaceful coexistence.”
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Owens explained that while trapping and relocating raccoons without a permit is technically allowed if the critters are causing damage to a person’s property, it can be challenging to trap animals in a safe and humane manner.
With support from the B.C. Trappers Association, the B.C. Conservation Service has requested law changes in regard to trapping wildlife and are specifically calling for a ban on egg traps and snares in favour of live traps.
Owens said the Trappers Association is also lobbying for mandatory education for anyone wanting to trap certain wildlife, that fall under Schedule B or C, in an urban setting “to avoid situations like this.”
Owens requested that the public contact professional animal control companies if dealing with a persistent raccoon problem, rather than attempting the critter on their own. There are also specific rules and regulations regarding the relocation of raccoons if they have babies, which are called kits. He also noted that it is illegal to use poison to kill raccoons.
Raccoons are protected under the BC Wildlife Act. To learn more, visit wildsafebc.com.
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“We hope this incident sparks greater awareness and dialogue about safer approaches to wildlife management in our community,” said Shepherd.
To report an injured animal or human-wildlife conflict call the conservation service at 1-877-952-7277, or email the Interior Wildlife Rescue organization in the Central Okanagan at info@interiorwildlife.ca.
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