Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected on commercial farms in California and other parts of the United States. The most recent outbreak of the highly transmissible strain of bird flu began in early 2022 and has resulted in the deaths of millions of chickens and turkeys. It has also been detected in cows in the U.S., marine mammals in South America, and other species globally. The CDC has confirmed a handful of human cases in the U.S. and several cases of avian flu in cats on dairy farms.
Dr. Simone Stoute, professor in the Department of Population Health & Reproduction and branch chief of California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - Turlock, was recently named the Scientist of the Year by the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association (PEPA).
In recognizing Dr. Stoute at the PEPA annual convention, poultry veterinarian Dr. Mark Bland praised her work, noting that she has an excellent reputation for her diagnostic acumen, is a leader in the laboratory, and is recognized by industry as a highly effective communicator.
Raising backyard chickens has become a fun hobby for many urban dwellers in the San Joaquin Valley, but a devastating poultry disease currently raging in Southern California could put those birds and others in jeopardy.
