On Tuesday, Miller made the decision to temporarily shut down the Cal-Maine Foods egg production plant in Farwell, Texas. This action was taken in response to positive bird flu test results. As a result of this closure, the farm will need to “depopulate” approximately 2 million chickens and dispose of all eggs. This represents nearly 4 percent of the total flock at the facility.
Miller expressed confidence in the government’s preparedness and the public’s safety, despite the immediate commercial losses.
Cal-Maine Foods, one of Texas’s largest poultry farms, expressed its devastation over the recent development, according to Miller’s initial statement. The Hill contacted the company for further comment.
According to Miller, the value of a chicken can amount to $3 each. When you consider the weekly production of millions of hens, who lay millions of eggs, the accumulation of value becomes significant.
According to him, the plant may reopen sooner than expected.
He mentioned that if they handle the bird disposal properly, clean up the facility, and disinfect it, they could have the facility operational again in just 30 days.
The method by which the flu is spreading from chickens to cows and whether it is also being transmitted between cattle is still not understood. Cal-Maine has not transported any parts of its flock for slaughter in the recent past, according to Miller.
Health officials are closely monitoring any mutations in the virus that may pose a risk to humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reassured the public that the chances of a widespread pandemic are low.
According to the CDC, the risk assessment for human health regarding the H5N1 bird flu remains low, despite the presence of this infection.
Miller has full confidence in the CDC, stating that they have stockpiles of human vaccines for bird flu that are ready for use.
Both the dairy worker and the first case of human bird flu in the U.S. in 2022 were caused by direct prolonged exposure in a livestock processing setting. However, it is important to note that both individuals experienced only minor symptoms and made a full recovery.
According to Miller, the dairy hand who contracted this illness had mild symptoms. It remains unclear how he contracted the virus from the cows. Miller noted that the individuals working at the dairy facility are generally physically fit due to the demanding nature of their work.
“We must not underestimate the severity of symptoms in elderly individuals. Although their symptoms may appear mild, they can still pose a significant threat to their health and well-being. It is crucial that we take all necessary precautions to protect them.”
