State and federal officials have been struggling to find a safe way to dispose of the nearly 21 million birds infected with the H5N2 avian flu virus or destroyed to contain the disease.
Eight million chickens and turkeys have been destroyed at 70 farms in 13 states due to the spreading H5N2 bird flu virus. Health officials are cautiously optimistic the virus will not affect humans, but are offering antiviral drugs to farm workers.
Poultry farm in Harris, Iowa. Iowa is the largest egg-producing state in the country.
PBS NewsHour
Birds affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) could show swelling of the head, wattles, combs, and face.
USDA
USDA
Iowa, the nation's largest egg producer has lost 40 percent of its laying hens.
AgriComm
The H5N2 strain of Bird Flu found at Missouri turkey farms is the same strain that’s been confirmed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Minnesota. (screen grab)
