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Story by Hilary Hanson • 2h ago
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An ongoing outbreak of a deadly strain of bird flu has now killed more birds than any past flare-up in U.S. history.
The virus, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, has led to the deaths of 50.54 million domestic birds in the country this year, according to Agriculture Department data reported by Reuters on Thursday. That figure represents birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys from commercial poultry farms, backyard flocks and facilities such as petting zoos.
The count surpasses the previous record of 50.5 million dead birds from a 2015 outbreak, according to Reuters.
Separately, USDA data shows at least 3,700 confirmed cases among wild birds.
Turkeys in a barn on a poultry farm.© Provided by HuffPost
Turkeys in a barn on a poultry farm.
On farms, some birds die from the flu directly, while in other cases, farmers kill their entire flocks to prevent the virus from spreading after one bird tests positive. Such farmers have occasionally drawn condemnation from animal welfare advocates for using a culling method known as “ventilation shutdown plus,” which involves sealing off the airways to a barn and pumping in heat to kill the animals.
The virus has raged through Europe and North America since 2021. A variety of wild birds have been affected worldwide, including bald eagles, vultures and seabirds. This month, Peru reported its first apparent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza after 200 dead pelicans were found on a beach.
Pelicans suspected to have died from highly pathogenic avian influenza are seen on a beach in Lima, Peru, on Nov. 24.© Provided by HuffPost
Pelicans suspected to have died from highly pathogenic avian influenza are seen on a beach in Lima, Peru, on Nov. 24.
The migration of infected wild birds has been a major cause of the spread. Health and wildlife officials urge anyone who keeps domestic birds to prevent contact with their wild counterparts.
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While health experts do not generally consider highly pathogenic avian influenza to be a major risk to mammals, a black bear cub in Alaska was euthanized earlier this month after contracting the virus. Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen told the Juneau Empire newspaper that the young cub had a weak immune system.
Over the summer, avian flu also spread among seals in Maine, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration believed contributed to an unusually high number of seal deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the risk “to the general public” from the bird flu outbreak is low. However, the agency recommends precautions like wearing personal protective equipment and thoroughly washing hands for people who have prolonged contact with birds that may be infected.
In April, a Colorado prisoner working at a commercial farm became the first person in the U.S. to test positive for the new strain, though he was largely asymptomatic.
Related…
- Bald Eagles Are The Latest Victims Of Deadly Bird Flu Spreading Across U.S.
- Prisoner Tests Positive For Bird Flu, First Recorded Case In U.S.
- Alaska Bear Cub Euthanized After Testing Positive For Bird Flu
Related video: Avian flu outbreak taking heavy toll on B.C. farmers
The ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza are showing no signs of
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A 1980s Icon Has Died
Story by Douglas Helm • 3h ago
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Irena Cara, best known for her work on Flashdance and Fame, has passed away at the age of 63. Her publicist broke the news on social media (via Deadline) and a cause of death has not been provided at this time. She will be remembered for her numerous award-winning contributions to the world of music and acting.
Irena Cara performed and co-wrote the song “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” for the film Flashdance, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Original Song along with a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Cara started from humble beginnings, mostly doing small performances on Spanish-language television.
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Before Irena Cara would win her awards for Flashdance, the role that really launched her into stardom was in the 1980 film Fame directed by Alan Parker. Although she was originally hired on the film as a dancer, the role of Coco Hernadez was re-written for her after several producers and screenwriter Christopher Gore heard her sing. Cara would go on to record the title song “Fame” and the song “Out Here on My Own” for the film.
This turned out to be a great decision, as Irena Cara helped the Fame soundtrack become a multi-platinum album and she would even help the film win some Oscars, though she wouldn’t take home one herself until Flashdance. The Oscar for Best Original Song went to Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford for writing the music and lyrics for “Fame.” Gore would also take home the Oscar for Best Score that year.
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