Avian flu confirmed in 23 states

Egg prices might rise before Easter as farms fight the spread of avian influenza by killing nearly 23 million chickens and turkeys, according to data from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Birds shed the virus through droppings and nasal discharge that can be transmitted into farms on boots, equipment, or small birds or mice. The first cases were found in Indiana on Feb. 9.

Is it harmful to humans? Avian flu does not present a significant danger to humans, and no human cases have been reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Farms will keep infected birds out of the food supply, and properly cooking poultry and eggs kills bacteria and viruses. Even so, zoos across North America are moving their birds indoors, away from people and other wildlife. If one case is found, officials order killing the entire flock, so zoos are isolating animals in smaller groups so only a small number would have to be euthanized.

Dig deeper: Listen to Nick Eicher interview David Bahnsen in The World and Everything in It podcast on rising inflation and the cost of food.