California lawmakers seek expanded funding for wastewater monitoring

Wastewater monitoring can help stop the spread of bird flu, but funding for it may soon end. Since March 2024, egg prices have surged by 50% due to a bird flu crisis, affecting both farmers and consumers. Over the past three years, more than 166 million chickens have been infected and euthanized, leading to significant losses in the poultry industry. The bird flu has also infected dairy cows, raising concerns for human health. There have been 70 confirmed human cases in the U.S., with the first death reported in January. Outbreaks in commercial poultry farms are increasing, including a significant one in Ohio that affected 1.8 million birds. Wastewater monitoring is a key tool in fighting bird flu. This method helps detect the virus in water systems before it spreads. In Texas, scientists discovered bird flu in wastewater weeks before it affected local cattle. This early warning could prevent large economic losses for farmers and help public health officials control outbreaks. Currently, the U.S. National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) monitors bird flu but faces challenges. Only 29% of its sites test for bird flu, while most focus on COVID-19. Funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan will run out after the 2025 fiscal year, and no new funding has been proposed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should require all NWSS sites to monitor bird flu. More testing sites are needed, especially in areas where the virus is spreading to other animals. A recent bill in California aims to enhance monitoring in its high-risk regions. Wastewater monitoring is not just important; it is also cost-effective. A single test can reveal health information for entire communities. Many farmworkers do not have access to healthcare, making this method vital for detecting potential bird flu cases early. While expanding wastewater monitoring is crucial, it should not replace testing animals and people directly exposed to the virus. This method acts like a smoke alarm, alerting health officials to take action in at-risk areas. Overall, strengthening wastewater monitoring is essential for preventing the spread of bird flu. It could help protect farmers, ensure food supply, and reduce the risk of a pandemic. The technology and infrastructure for this monitoring are already available, and immediate action is needed to enhance these efforts.