Outbreaks of the deadly avian flu virus have been detected at two Sonoma County poultry operations near Petaluma, forcing owners to euthanize nearly a quarter of a million ducks and hens and putting a nearly $50 million local industry at risk. The economic loss at the Sunrise Farms chicken operation alone could be more than $3-million dollars. The flu type detected is known as High Pathogen Avian Influenza, which is highly infectious and usually deadly. It is not easily transmitted to humans, but is devastating to ducks and hens. This may also result in higher prices for eggs, chicken, duck and other poultry at the grocery store.
