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What happened at Crescent Duck Farm?
Crescent Duck Farm, the last duck farm in a historic New York region, had to cull its entire flock due to an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian flu. This decision was made to prevent further spread of the virus, which has been affecting millions of birds across the U.S. since 2022.
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How does avian flu affect the poultry industry?
Avian flu outbreaks lead to significant economic losses in the poultry industry, as farms are forced to cull infected birds to contain the virus. This not only affects production capacity but also disrupts supply chains and raises concerns about food security.
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What challenges do farmers face in rebuilding after an outbreak?
Farmers like Corwin from Crescent Duck Farm face numerous challenges in rebuilding after an outbreak. These include restoring their flock's unique lineage, managing financial losses, and the constant fear of future outbreaks that could threaten their operations.
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What measures are being taken to prevent future outbreaks?
To prevent future outbreaks, various measures are being implemented, including stricter biosecurity protocols on farms, monitoring bird populations for signs of illness, and vaccination programs. However, the effectiveness of these measures varies, as seen in the contrasting situations between the U.S. and countries like Brazil.
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What is the current state of avian flu in the U.S.?
As of now, the U.S. poultry industry continues to grapple with the impacts of avian flu, with ongoing outbreaks causing disruptions. Farmers are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
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How does the situation at Crescent Duck Farm reflect broader industry challenges?
The struggles faced by Crescent Duck Farm highlight the broader challenges within the poultry industry, including the economic impacts of health crises, the need for effective containment measures, and the importance of preserving unique livestock lineages amidst ongoing threats.