Since the outbreak began in 2022, more than 162 million birds have been culled. In the past 30 days alone, bird flu has been detected in 24 states. The virus has been confirmed in poultry in all ...

As avian flu spreads, the impact felt by farmers does, too, in different ways. "When we first were positive, we were also coming up on the end of chemotherapy treatment for my husband," Sawatzke said.

Since 2022, farmers have culled more than 166 million chickens to prevent the spread of bird flu. To help ease the shortage, the U.S. is importing 15,000 tons of eggs from Turkey, the country.

Farmers in Colorado who raise birds are cautiously monitoring the bird flu outbreak. The Colorado Department of Agriculture reports the most recent cases were found in Larimer County.

So far, $13.5 million has gone to 211 applicants. In 2025, bird flu has been detected at commercial farms in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and Lehigh counties.