Ca-Maine Foods, largest fresh egg producer in US, temporarily halts production at one Texas facility after discovering virus

Avian influenza has been detected among chickens in Texas and Michigan, following news of the virus infecting livestock and then a person for the first time in the US and potentially leading to supply chain issues.

The developments have led to a heightened focus on the potential risks of the virus, especially in the wake of the devastating coronavirus pandemic. But experts are saying that there is little chance of transmission between humans at this point.

Cal-Maine Foods, the largest producer of fresh eggs in the US, has temporarily halted production at one Texas facility and is killing 1.6 million hens and 337,000 chicks – 3.6%of its entire flock – after discovering the highly pathogenic virus among its domesticated birds.