HealthThe GuardianBird flu outbreak at Utah mink farm sparks concerns about government response
A bird flu outbreak at a Utah mink farm has been quietly spreading for two months, with experts alarmed by a lack of transparency from US authorities.
State veterinarian attempted to get help from federal government but was told USDA didn’t regulate mink farms
Bird flu has been spreading at a Utah mink farm for two months, with regulators struggling to coordinate a response under the Trump administration.
The state veterinarian sought federal help but was told the USDA does not regulate mink farms and has no approved vaccine for the animals.
Infectious disease experts say the lack of government transparency is deeply troubling and could hamper efforts to prevent a wider outbreak.
Experts say the risk is greatest for people with direct contact with sick animals, so if that is not you, the immediate personal risk is low.
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