Carbon Dioxide Can Help Control Bird Flu
Flu season typically begins in October and peaks in February, but with the recent H5 bird flu (H5N1) outbreak affecting dairy cows and now several humans, health professionals could be dealing with patients suffering from flu-like symptoms and respiratory distress, much sooner than expected.
Recent Bird Flu Cases
Colorado has seen human cases spread as the virus remains uncontrolled. An NBC News article said, “The longer the virus remains uncontrolled, the more potential it has to evolve and adapt to become more of a threat to people, according to the authors of the new study, which was published in the journal Nature on Tuesday.” (NBC, 2024).
The article then goes on to quote Diego Diel, an author of the study and the director of the Virology Laboratory at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University, “The virus is not very efficient in infecting humans and transmitting between humans, but if the virus continues to circulate in dairy cows and from dairy cows into other mammalian species, that could change. It’s concerning” (NBC, 2024).
If you do contract the bird flu, symptoms can range from none to severe illness. According to CPR News, “Mild symptoms include conjunctivitis (red eye), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and tiredness. Among more serious symptoms are high fever, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Severe illness can result in pneumonia that may require hospitalization” (CPR, 2024).
The virus could continue to spread this summer, and farmers may need to make some tough decisions. If the safest course of action is farm depopulation, the only method approved by the USDA is bird exposure to carbon dioxide gas.
Carbon Dioxide for Farm Depopulation
There are a couple of methods for farm depopulation, but utilizing carbon dioxide is a quick, humane, and USDA-approved solution for culling large flocks rapidly. This action is taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as bird flu and salmonella. The gas is funneled into the barn or coop and birds fall asleep quickly.
When utilizing this method for a large flock, you need a steady supply of carbon dioxide gas. Some farms need to euthanize millions of birds at a time when outbreaks are severe. Having a reliable supplier that ensures you have the gas you need, when you need it, is paramount. You don’t want to face being under supplied or waiting for a delivery when these tough tasks are at hand.
Carbon Dioxide Distributors in the Rocky Mountain Region
At Rocky Mountain Air, we offer cryogenic liquid gas tanks and high-pressure cylinders of carbon dioxide for a variety of industries from food and beverage to agriculture. We have the correct team in place to help you make the most effective decisions for your business, ensuring you have the appropriate order quantity and delivery methods for your application.
Contact your local branch today in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, or Nebraska to purchase gas, discuss your gas uses, or to set up a usage evaluation. We look forward to serving you with flawless dependability.
