Be Alert, Not Alarmed: Officials stress food supply remains safe amid HPAI

Recent outbreaks of High Path Avian Flu have caught the attention of the entire ag industry. However, since the start, officials have stressed the food supply remains safe. That is still the case, and the CDC wants to remind everyone to be alert, not alarmed.

The poultry industry has been dealing with the outbreak since early 2022. Since March of this year, more than 90 farms across 12 states have reported cases in dairy herds. Three humans have also contracted the virus with minimal symptoms.

The CDC says the data should be taken in context, and there is no need to be alarmed. Right now, farm workers are the only ones who need to be alert and considered at high risk of infection.

Currently, the only way to catch HPAI is direct contact with infected animals.

Related Stories
Eric Weaver with UNL joins us to share about a promising new HPAI vaccine, early test results, next steps in development, and its potential impact on the livestock industry.
$2 million project tests fogging system to stop the virus in poultry facilities
More than 15 million birds were affected by bird flu, but fewer outbreaks are helping bring egg prices down
Bigger flocks are rebuilding egg and poultry supply.
As spring migration ramps up, USDA officials warn farmers about rising bird flu risks and urge stronger biosecurity measures. Resources are available through APHIS to help protect livestock.
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA Undersecretary Dr. Mindy Brashears provides more insight on the updated “Product of USA” label campaign and the USDA’s goals for both consumers and producers.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the application process for Stages 1 and 2 of the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, and what farmers can expect as the deadline approaches.
Fertilizer relief may be limited despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz this week. AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses marketing strategies, crop insurance considerations, and other tips for producers navigating volatility this planting season.
Overall, the report suggests a shift toward more comfortable supply levels, with demand emerging as a key factor to watch in the months ahead.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the University of Nebraska joined us to explain public health in rural communities and highlight resources residents can access to stay healthy
ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman gives an update on Corn Belt farmland values, buyer activity, and what to expect for the rest of 2026 as geopolitical tensions and bridge payments move
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.