Share this @internewscast.com

The largest producer of fresh eggs in the U.S. said Tuesday it had temporarily halted production at a Texas plant after bird flu was found in chickens, and officials said the virus had also been detected at a poultry facility in Michigan.

Ridgeland, Mississippi-based Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. said in a statement that approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, about 3.6% of its total flock, were destroyed after the infection, avian influenza, was found at a facility in Parmer County, Texas.

The plant is on the Texas-New Mexico border in the Texas Panhandle about 85 miles (137 kilometers) southwest of Amarillo and about 370 miles (595 kilometers) northwest of Dallas. Cal-Maine said it sells most of its eggs in the Southwestern, Southeastern, Midwestern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

“The Company continues to work closely with federal, state and local government officials and focused industry groups to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks and effectively manage the response,” the statement said.

“Cal-Maine Foods is working to secure production from other facilities to minimize disruption to its customers,” the statement said.

The company said there is no known bird flu risk associated with eggs that are currently in the market and no eggs have been recalled.

Eggs that are properly handled and cooked are safe to eat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The announcement by Cal-Maine comes a day after state health officials said a person had been diagnosed with bird flu after being in contact with cows presumed to be infected, and that the risk to the public remains low. The human case in Texas marks the first known instance globally of a person catching this version of bird flu from a mammal, federal health officials said.

In Michigan, Michigan State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected bird flu in a commercial poultry facility in Ionia County, according to the Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The county is about 100 miles (161 kilometers) northwest of Detroit.

The department said it received confirmation of the disease Monday from the lab and that it is the fourth time since 2022 that the disease was detected at a commercial facility in Michigan.

Department spokesperson Jennifer Holton said Tuesday that state law prohibits the department from disclosing the type of poultry at the facility. The facility has been placed under quarantine and the department does not anticipate any disruptions to supply chains across the state, Holton said.

Dairy cows in Texas and Kansas were reported to be infected with bird flu last week — and federal agriculture officials later confirmed infections in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently received cows from Texas. A dairy herd in Idaho has been added to the list after federal agriculture officials confirmed the detection of bird flu in them, according to a Tuesday press release from the USDA.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Retired elementary teacher who worked as Santa arrested on child abuse material charges

Former Elementary Teacher and Santa Claus Impersonator Arrested on Child Abuse Material Charges

A retired elementary schoolteacher from New Jersey, who had been working as…
FTA directs CTA to address safety concerns or risk losing funding, citing woman set on fire on Blue Line in Chicago Loop

FTA Urges CTA to Resolve Safety Issues to Secure Funding, Following Incident of Woman Set on Fire on Blue Line in Chicago Loop

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on Tuesday his intention to comply with…
Experienced hiker rescued after getting trapped in quicksand at Utah's Arches National Park

Thrilling Rescue: Veteran Hiker Survives Quicksand Ordeal in Utah’s Arches National Park

An experienced hiker found himself in a life-threatening predicament when he became…
Sophie Kinsella, author of the best-selling 'Shopaholic' novels, dies at 55

Beloved ‘Shopaholic’ Series Author Sophie Kinsella Passes Away at 55: A Literary World in Mourning

Sophie Kinsella, the celebrated author behind “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and its…
Florida man allegedly crashes stolen BMW, gives bizarre explanation to deputies: 'I teleported'

Florida Man Claims ‘Teleportation’ After Crashing Stolen BMW: Bizarre Incident Baffles Deputies

A Florida man, accused of crashing a stolen BMW at speeds exceeding…
U.S. to require foreign tourists to submit 5 years of social media history

U.S. Introduces New Rule: Foreign Visitors Must Share 5 Years of Social Media Activity

In a move that could significantly alter the travel experience for many…
Kris Boyd shooting suspect Frederick Green charged after Jets NFL football player shot outside Sei Less in NYC

Jets NFL Player Injured in NYC Shooting: Suspect Frederick Green Charged

NEW YORK — The 20-year-old Frederick Green from New York City appeared…
Two new Buc-ee's are coming to Florida. Here's when

Exciting Expansion: Discover When Two New Buc-ee’s Locations are Opening in Florida!

The highly anticipated convenience store, known for its vast array of offerings,…
South Carolina Judicial Retaliation Watchdog Revealed

Unveiling South Carolina’s New Oversight for Judicial Retaliation

South Carolina corruption watchdog Skip Hoagland faces an unprecedented legal assault targeting…
Beshear: We Used to Think POTUS Couldn't Do Much on Economy, But Now I Don't Because Trump's Bad

Governor Beshear Shifts View on Presidential Influence Over Economy After Trump’s Tenure

During Tuesday’s edition of “Laura Coates Live” on CNN, Kentucky Governor Andy…
Beyoncé to co-chair Met Gala after decade away from fashion’s biggest night

Beyoncé Returns as Co-Chair for the Met Gala After a Ten-Year Hiatus from Fashion’s Premier Event

Beyoncé is set to make a spectacular return to the Met Gala…
Sheriff Holding AI Whistleblower Charles Johnson, Indicted

Sheriff Detains AI Whistleblower Charles Johnson Following Indictment

A Texas sheriff whose jail is holding Clearview AI co-founder and whistleblower…