Deadly Strain of Bird Flu Confirmed at Mississippi Poultry Farm

The first US outbreak of deadly H7N9 bird flu since 2017 has been reported in Mississippi, affecting nearly 48,000 chickens and triggering immediate containment measures amid concerns about its potential risk to human health.

Key Insights

A commercial broiler breeder chicken flock in Noxubee County, Mississippi has been infected with the H7N9 bird flu strain, affecting 47,654 birds.
The outbreak marks the first appearance of this strain in the United States since 2017, when it was last detected in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia.
H7N9 has a concerning global human death rate, with 616 deaths reported from 1,568 infections since 2013, though person-to-person transmission remains difficult.
Officials have quarantined the affected area and depopulated the flock to prevent further spread, confirming that no infected birds have entered the food system.
The USDA and state officials are conducting enhanced surveillance and a thorough epidemiological investigation to monitor and contain the situation.

Outbreak Detection and Response

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed on March 13 that the H7N9 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a commercial broiler breeder chicken flock in Noxubee County, Mississippi. The infection has impacted 47,654 birds, marking the first appearance of this particular strain in the United States since 2017. The Mississippi Veterinary Research & Diagnostic Laboratory initially tested samples from the flock, with confirmation of the virus coming from federal authorities.

Officials have immediately implemented containment protocols, including quarantining the affected area and beginning the process of depopulating the flock to prevent further spread of the virus. The US Department of Agriculture has emphasized that none of the infected birds have entered the food system, providing some reassurance to consumers concerned about food safety. This outbreak comes amid ongoing concerns about the broader impact of avian influenza on poultry supplies and food prices nationwide.

New outbreak of deadly bird flu strain confirmed for first time in 8 years https://t.co/WMLCAXTg4o

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H7N9 Strain Characteristics and Risks

The H7N9 bird flu strain was first identified in China over a decade ago and has distinctive characteristics that concern health officials. Unlike the H5N1 strain that has been more prevalent in recent U.S. outbreaks, H7N9 has its own risk profile. The Mississippi case involves what officials describe as a “fully North American” virus that likely originated from wild birds and is unrelated to the ongoing H5N1 outbreak that has affected 167 million birds since 2022.

According to Fox News Digital, Dr. Myles Druckman has noted that H7N9 was initially considered a “novel reassortant” composed of three different bird flu strains. When humans are infected, symptoms typically include fever, cough, and potentially severe respiratory illness. Antiviral medicines can help reduce the severity of infection when administered promptly. According to the World Health Organization, H7N9 “is of concern because most patients have become severely ill” when infected.

Public Health Implications

Health officials emphasize that while H7N9 has shown a high human mortality rate globally—with 616 deaths reported from 1,568 infections since 2013—the virus is not easily transmitted between people. This characteristic has so far limited its potential, though vigilance remains essential. The current H5N1 outbreak has already infected 70 Americans, resulting in one death, underscoring the importance of monitoring all avian influenza strains.

To minimize risk, health experts advise avoiding live animal markets, limiting direct contact with birds, avoiding contaminated surfaces, and maintaining good hygiene practices. Cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit kills the virus if present. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service continues coordinating with state officials on enhanced surveillance measures to detect any further spread and protect both the poultry industry and public health.