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
Dixmoor water main break at 139th between Dixie and Thornton impacts over half of residents: Village President Fitzgerald Roberts

Urgent Alert: Major Dixmoor Water Main Break Disrupts Over Half of Village Residents – Key Details Inside

A significant water main break in Dixmoor, Illinois, is affecting over half…
Arizona man accused of human smuggling is a repeat offender who once 'threw rocks' at Army helicopter: docs

Arizona Repeat Offender Faces New Human Smuggling Charges After Past Helicopter Assault

The man suspected of orchestrating an illegal immigration operation and shot by…
NAU death: NAU student dies; Delta Tau Delta fraternity's Riley Cass, Ryan Creech, Carter Eslick charged in alleged hazing death

Tragedy at NAU: Delta Tau Delta Fraternity Members Charged in Student’s Fatal Hazing Incident

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (WLS) — Authorities have charged three fraternity leaders with hazing…
ICE arrests over 650 illegal aliens across West Virginia with state, local police backing

ICE, in collaboration with state and local authorities, detains over 650 undocumented immigrants in West Virginia operation

In a sweeping two-week initiative across West Virginia, Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
Viral video: couple's snowy dance in downtown Raleigh captures hearts

Charming Dance in Raleigh’s Snowy Streets Becomes Internet Sensation

RALEIGH, N.C. — A couple has become the talk of the town…
Bad Bunny uses Grammy win to deliver anti-ICE message week before Super Bowl performance

Bad Bunny’s Grammy Triumph Amplifies Anti-ICE Message Ahead of Super Bowl Spotlight

He emphasized the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and urged viewers…
Groundhog Day puts Punxsutawney Phil's forecast about winter's length in the spotlight

Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Winter’s Duration: Groundhog Day Tradition Captivates Millions

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — As the U.S. grapples with a chilly winter, anticipation…
Russia kills 12 Ukrainian miners in deadly bus attack hours after peace talks postponed

Tragic Bus Attack Claims Lives of 12 Ukrainian Miners Amid Delayed Peace Talks

A Russian drone assault struck a bus transporting miners in the Dnipropetrovsk…
Florida Airbnb host arrested after alleged lewd act with vacuum at Disney-area resort community

Florida Airbnb Host Faces Arrest Following Disturbing Incident Involving Vacuum at Disney Resort Community

A Florida man hosting an Airbnb has been arrested after authorities reported…
Report: 'Crazy' MS-13 Gang Member Linked to 5 Murders Arrested in VA

Infamous MS-13 Gang Member Tied to Five Homicides Captured in Virginia Operation

In a significant operation, officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)…
SNAP changes 2026: Work requirements impacting eligibility for benefits takes effect, worrying Illinois recipients, food banks

New SNAP Rules in 2026: How Work Requirement Changes Could Affect Illinois Residents and Food Banks

CHICAGO (WLS) — Significant adjustments to SNAP eligibility have just been implemented.…
Jacksonville's overnight warming center to open Monday through Friday during cold front

Stay Warm: Discover First Coast Warming Centers Open Amid Record Cold Snap

In Jacksonville, the Legends Center will remain open overnight through Monday, February…