Nearly two million U.S. turkeys have died from bird flu in recent months. An agricultural economist explains what ongoing outbreaks could mean for Thanksgiving meals

Darlene Konkle, a state veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said the current strain of the bird flu was detected in Wisconsin in 2022. Largely, the cases pop up around the spring or fall, during the time that wild waterfowl are migrating.

The impact of avian flu and related restrictions - after the first case was confirmed in Nottinghamshire - has been described as "heartbreaking". Wide-ranging controls have been ordered after a highly infectious strain of the disease was detected in UK birds.

Last month, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of HPAI in a backyard flock in Mississippi County.

Since first being detected in Newfoundland in 2021, a subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI A(H5Nx), has had a dramatic impact on North America.

Birds must be kept indoors in Wales following a sharp rise in avian flu. The Welsh government has said the country is facing a "very high level" of the disease. Owners with 50 or more birds must keep them housed from Thursday.

Cornell scientists discover that the H5N1 virus survives for up to 120 days in raw milk cheese, which contravenes health regulations.