(MENAFN- Yolo Wire) Bird flu, or avian influenza, is surging across the U.S. as the year-end holidays approach.

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that bird flu has infected and killed 8.9 million turkeys, chickens, and ducks in America since September of this year.

A total of 184 million birds have been infected nationwide in the U.S. since the outbreak started in February 2022. Indiana remains a hotbed of activity for bird flu's spread, says the USDA.

The rapid spread has infectious disease researchers increasingly concerned about the evolution of the virus.

A strain of avian influenza, known as H5N1, continues to infect humans, causing illness and death in some cases.

Michigan State University notes that a second virus, avian metapneumovirus, is reducing the number of viable eggs that hens are producing, which makes it difficult for turkey farmers to rebuild their flocks.

Consequently, turkey supply is tightening and prices are rising heading into Christmas.

The USDA forecasts that turkey production in America will fall to 4.8 million pounds this year, a drop from 5.1 million pounds in 2024.

At the same time, recent media reports say that a Washington State resident who was infected with avian influenza died on Nov. 28.

Major poultry producers in the U.S. include Tyson Foods (NYSE: $TSN), JBS (NYSE: $JBS), and Pilgrims Pride (NASDAQ: $PPC).

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