More than 50 million birds across 46 states have been culled since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza began in February, making the death toll as high as the 2014-2015 outbreak and leading to higher prices for chickens and turkeys. Waterfowl are natural hosts for avian influenza viruses and don’t usually get sick, but this outbreak is different, and although very few human cases have been reported, experts say game birds that appear sick should be handled with extreme caution, clothing and equipment should be washed well, and birds should be thoroughly cooked before being eaten.
