A highly contagious strain of bird flu plagues farmers across the U.S.

Daily News Lesson

May 11, 2022, 10:40 p.m.

A highly contagious strain of bird flu plagues farmers across the U.S.

Summary

The U.S. is in the midst of its worst deadly bird flu outbreak in years. Millions of poultry and wild birds have been killed. And although the risk to human health is low, the impacts have trickled down to consumers. William Brangham traveled to the Midwest, where producers and scientists are desperately trying to stay ahead of the virus.

Five Facts

What is the avian flu?

Where is the avian flu affecting bird populations?

Who is trying to halt the spread of the flu?

Why can the avian flu be managed, according to this piece?

How might avian flu affect humans?

Focus Questions

What do you think is the best way to address the current outbreak of bird flu for the sake of humans? What about for the benefit of the birds themselves? Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to better know the best way to address the bird flu?

For More

First new U.S. case of human bird flu confirmed in Colorado prison

FILE PHOTO: Ducks are seen in a field in Bourriot Bergonce, southwestern France, after France ordered a massive culling of ducks in three regions most affected by a severe outbreak of bird flu

FILE PHOTO: Ducks are seen in a field in Bourriot Bergonce, southwestern France, January 7, 2017, after France ordered a massive culling of ducks in three regions most affected by a severe outbreak of bird flu as it tries to contain the virus which has been spreading quickly over the past month. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau/File Photo

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