A bird flu outbreak has led to the culling of 934,600 birds at an Illinois commercial egg-laying facility, the USDA confirmed. The outbreak, detected at Rose Acre Farms near Germantown, Illinois, is the largest in the U.S. and marks the latest chapter in a crisis that began in February 2022. KSDK-TV in St. Louis reported that the facility is located about 46 miles east of St. Louis, and the outbreak was confirmed by the USDA on October 19.
Since the outbreak started, over 210 million chickens have been slaughtered nationwide, causing retail egg prices to surge. In 2025, prices peaked at more than $6 per dozen, though they have since eased to an average of $2.27 per dozen. The facility is the second-largest of its kind in the country.
Bird flu has also been detected in other states and species. In August, it was found among mink at a Utah farm, and in mid-October, it affected a dairy herd in Washington state. Migrating bird flocks have also tested positive, highlighting the virus’s ability to spread across diverse ecosystems and species.
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Minnesota is grappling with the next largest outbreak, where 168,880 birds have been affected statewide.
Meanwhile, the USDA has confirmed the first case of screwworm in wildlife on a Texas game ranch near Kerrville. The pest was detected after a hunter harvested an elk and confirmed on October 20. Hunters are urged to report signs of infestation, such as maggots in wounds or foul-smelling injuries, to the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Additional cases have been reported in New Mexico cattle, prompting the release of sterile flies in 12 Texas counties to curb further spread and protect livestock.
In separate agricultural news, the USDA has allocated $8 billion to offset farmers’ diesel costs, which currently average over $6 per gallon nationwide and $8 on the West Coast and in California. The program will apply a formula to partially cover losses for the 2026 crop year, with payment rates to be announced in November. “Today, I am proud to announce alongside President Trump more targeted relief is coming to our farmers through the Harvest Fuel Relief program. The $8 billion dollar investment will help bring certainty to our farmers during this harvest so they can continue to feed our nation,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said.