Quarantines and Soaring Grocery Prices May Be Returning To Idaho

2020 was devastating to our overall health, both physically and mentally. It also crippled Idaho families financially. Hearing the word quarantine sends a shiver down our spine, and the thought of increased inflation caused by shortages at the grocery store caused by a virus are things we don't want to hear about. Unfortunately, this is a reality that Idahoans could be facing soon.

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These quarantines will only change your everyday life if you're a farmer. It's not that farmers will have to keep to themselves, but they may need to keep their cows away from each other.

Bird flu mainly affects birds, hence the name. However, it sometimes affects mammals, too. And now bird flu has arrived in Idaho.

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu is a virus that spreads quickly among birds. Some wild birds often carry the virus and never get sick, but when it spreads to birds like chickens and turkeys raised on farms and backyards, it can cause them to get very sick or even die. Sometimes, other animals, like cows, can get it, too.

How is Bird Flu Affecting Idaho Farmers?

Three Idaho farms in Cassia and Minidoka Counties have recently seen bird flu cases in their cows; now, two farms in the Treasure Valley are also dealing with Bird Flu. Farmers must prevent the virus from spreading, usually by quarantining the sick animals. There have been 41 cases in Idaho since April.  The sick cows in the Boise area are expected to recover and come out of quarantine sometime next week. This particular strain, first seen this spring, is particularly strong. Sick cows mean less milk and sick chickens mean fewer eggs, which hurts Idaho farmers' income.

How Can Bird Flu Affect You?

For the rest of Idaho, bird flu could mean changes in the grocery store. When farms deal with sick animals and fewer eggs or dairy products are available, prices go up.

If you are concerned for your safety, you should know that experts say the risk to humans is very low.