So what we have over here is the nasty H5N1 strain of avian bird flu. About 400,000 birds are expected to be culled, constituting a total loss of approximately $4.5 million. If you also take into account the expected decline in local sales, as well as export losses due to the European ban on importation of Israeli birds, the total loss could reach as much as $22 million.
Oh, where did we go wrong, cunning Elders of Zion?
The H5N1 strain could pose a danger to people in regular contact with fowl. As the CDC site states:
During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds.
Given that the vast majority of people only come into contact with fowl when it is served up cooked on a plate, we needn’t break out into mass hysteria just yet.
I am more concerned that palestinian terrorists may try to exploit the situation. Realizing that contact with secretions or excretions for infected birds is required for human infection, some terrorist organizations may start to strap bomb belts to unsuspecting infected chickens.
My advice to Israeli readers? If you see a chicken trying to cross the road, don’t wait for it to get to the other side.
