Just this week, High Pathogenic Avian Influenza inched closer to surpassing a record set back in 2015.
That year, the U.S. lost more than 50 million birds to the virus. It also caused more than $3 billion in economic damage.
After the most recent confirmation of the disease in several backyard flocks, the new U.S. total during the outbreak is sitting around 49.1 million birds.
This all comes as the nation prepares for Thanksgiving, but recent USDA data numbers show the industry is looking at a $350 million loss this year.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack recently said there is currently no shortage of Thanksgiving birds, but they might be smaller and will likely cost more.
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