H5N9 bird flu outbreak in US: another warning about the danger of factory farms

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the case in Merced County, where the more common H5N1 strain has also been detected. This case specifically occurred at an industrial duck farm in California.

As a containment measure, nearly 119,000 birds have been culled.

Authorities have intensified epidemiological surveillance and are investigating the extent of the outbreak.

Industrial Farms: breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases

Industrial farms are conducive environments for the proliferation of zoonotic diseases like avian influenza, and other hidden health impacts.

In conditions of extreme overcrowding, viruses can mutate and become more dangerous, increasing the risk of transmission to other species, including humans.

Regarding the outbreak, Lindsay Oliver, Executive Director of World Animal Protection US, stated:

Industrial farms are breeding grounds for dangerous diseases like avian influenza. These cruel and unsanitary operations pose a serious threat to public safety. Ending industrial farming is not only a moral imperative for animals but a critical necessity to protect people from future health crises.

Impact on public health and the need for change

The H5N9 virus is a rare variant of avian influenza that contains the N9 gene, which could facilitate its transmission to humans.

Although health authorities have indicated that the current risk is low, the possibility of this virus adapting and affecting people remains a concern.

Since the onset of the H5N1 crisis in 2022, avian influenza outbreaks have had severe economic and health consequences, including rising egg prices and the spread of the virus to mammals.

This new case reinforces the urgency of rethinking animal production systems and adopting more ethical and sustainable models.

Help end factory farming

The proliferation of diseases in industrial factory farms is a threat we cannot ignore.

It is urgent that governments and consumers promote alternatives such as reducing the consumption of animal products and supporting more sustainable production systems.

Public Development Banks that fund this cruel industry also need to cut ties, and start investing in greener, sustainable alternatives. Thanks to public pressure, some banks are cutting investments with some of the world's top meat giants.

Join us in demanding a shift towards a world free from animal exploitation and health risks.