H5N6 – An emerging dangerous form of bird flu that is 67% fatal!

Classified as H5N6 – This genetic re-assortment of the flu virus can cause the infection in both human beings and animals. And, while it is not severe in the avian population, it is when humans catch it.

As already noted, the H5N6 influenza is considered a new emerging infection. This viral disease is caused by influenza virus. It is considered to be a new 'atypical' viral infection. Any new bird flu is of serious concern as it is hard for to manage and control bird migrations. Since the first emerging of bird flu H5N1 in human beings, there are many scientists who currently following this particular strain with concern. The greatest fears surrounds its growing potential to become pandemic!

Most recently, H5N6 has cropped up in South Korea! The situation is so serious that the authorities there are in the process of culling 3% of the total poultry population in an effort to control its spread!

Despite these efforts, Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday that four new cases of infected birds had been confirmed in central South Korea. That brings the total number of infected birds to 13 since H5N6 appeared about two weeks ago, according to the statement. Nine other farm birds are also being tested for suspected infections, it said. To contain the further spread of the virus, the ministry will slaughter at least 2.78 million birds, including the 1.68 million that have already been culled, the ministry said. 

The mortality rate of the infection among humans is 66.7%, which is considerably higher when compared to other new emerging influenza's, and so bears close watching by the World Health Organization. Right now, country's like China are the main focal point of infection. However, it should be noted that birds have a tendency to fly great distances!

Meat prices set to rise sharply!

With no end in sight, the avian flu infections continue to rise all across the United States. Currently, about 34 million chickens have been destroyed in an effort to bring the plague to a halt. Experts are predicting it could be late June or July before a reversal of the trend is seen. And in the meantime, consumers can expect the cost of poultry, eggs and egg products to sky rocket in the months and years to come. Some analysts say consumers are probably seeing some price increases, not only for cartons of eggs but also for products that contain so-called liquid eggs, which are used in everything from mayonnaise to cake mix and are a major product of Iowa’s poultry industry. Fast food chains, like McDonald's, who do a significant amount of their business in breakfast foods, are expected to pass on costs to consumers that some predict could triple by the summer.

But wait, it gets worst. As the country finds itself with poultry meat at a premium, it's expected that the shortage will also drive up the cost of pork and beef just as the country is headed into the summer months. And, with inflation beginning to increase on products across the board, consumers may soon find themselves strapped for cash. All this happening at a time when the government is expected to ask for large increases in taxes to help offset a national debt that recently exceeded the eighteen trillion dollar mark.

Disclaimer: The post is based solely on the opinion of the author and may or may not reflect in a factual manner in all instances.