Crews are in the process of killing 4.2 million chickens after the disease was found at a farm in Sioux County, Iowa, making it the latest in a yearslong outbreak that now is affecting dairy cattle as well. Last week, the virus was confirmed at an egg farm west of Minneapolis, Minnesota, leading to the slaughter of nearly 1.4 million chickens.
In spring, birds usually return to their breeding grounds, meaning they are making cross-country journeys, often stopping to take breaks along the way. The stopover locations can act as hotbeds for the spread of bird flu, especially if they are near farmland, where infected birds can leave contaminated saliva and feces, transmitting the disease to poultry animals.
Dawn O'Connell, JD, said health officials have identified a manufacturing line at one of its manufacturing partners for fill-and-finish steps, without disrupting production of seasonal flu vaccine. Currently, the vaccine is in bulk form and will be produced in multidose vials.
