US Finds Fewer Cases of Avian Flu in Wild Birds, Good Sign for Poultry

US Finds Fewer Cases of Avian Flu in Wild Birds, Good Sign for Poultry
Rescued chickens gather in an aviary at Farm Sanctuary’s Southern California Sanctuary in Acton, Calif., on Oct. 5, 2022. Mario Tama/Getty Images
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CHICAGO—The U.S. is detecting fewer cases of avian flu in wild birds that transmit the virus to poultry flocks, the agriculture department said, a potentially positive development for farmers and consumers after a two-year outbreak.

A top official warned that risks remain high, though, and urged farmers to maintain stringent safety and cleaning protocols to protect flocks. Record infections on poultry farms drove egg and turkey prices to all-time highs in 2022, raising costs for inflation-hit shoppers.