Bird Flu Outbreak 2015 News Update: 25 Million Birds Hit With Avian Flu; $330M Emergency Fund Approved

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An emergency fund of $330 Million was approved by the US government to control the country's biggest bird flu outbreak. The funds were granted in accordance with the request of US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The H5 avian influenza virus has affected nearly 25 million birds as it spread in almost 15 states in five months' time, according to the US Department of Agriculture via a report from Business Insider.  In what is considered to be the worst bird flu outbreak in US history, it shows slim to none signs of slowing down as it already affected two provinces in Canada.

The outbreak affected Minnesota, the country's top producer of US turkeys with more than five million turkeys and chicken affected by the virus. It is also in Iowa, the largest egg producer with 20 million affected chickens and turkeys. The phenomenon is already being felt by the producers of meat and poultry products with supplies running low.

According to Business Insider, US farmers and hundreds of poultry workers from Minnesota have experienced the brunt of the outbreak as the poultry farmers are to submit an indemnity claim to the USDA. Meanwhile, poultry workers from a plant in Minnesota are expected to be laid off effective May 26.

"Our intent is to have everyone come back to work when bird numbers return to normal levels," said Randy Vergin, manager of the Jennie-O Turkey Store plant located in Faribault, Minnesota.

"Farmers across Minnesota are in a financial and emotional whirlwind," according to Minnesota rep. Jeanne Poppe. "Turkey processing plants are being forced to idle production lines because of the drastic decline in turkey supplies and workers are being laid off."

Although the birds are known to be carriers of the virus, it is unknown how they have travelled from barn to barn. According to International Business Times, the virus can kill a bird in 48 hours. In an effort to contain the disease and outbreak, infected flocks will be euthanized and disposed.

Concerns about the bird flu's further spreading have reached Washington. The members of Congress together with local officials met with farmers to discuss preventive measures against the spread of the virus and how to respond to it.  

According to World Health Organization, the strain of bird flu ravaging the country does not infect humans. Properly cooked chicken, eggs, and turkey are perfectly safe to eat as well.