Bird flu is on the rise. Farmers watch closely. Will they have to tuck their chickens and turkeys into bed and stick thermometers in their beaks?

We’re kidding about the thermometers, of course. But not about bird flu.

In 2015, a bird flu outbreak killed 50 million birds across 15 states in America. No one wants that to happen again. On February 9 of this year, people found avian (bird) influenza virus in a turkey flock in Indiana. Some birds in Kentucky might have the sickness too. Farmers snap into action to stop the spread.

Where does bird flu come from? Migratory wild birds carry it. These virus strains don’t usually kill the wild birds. But they can hitch a ride on the feet of workers or on equipment and pass to farmed birds. In flocks on farms, the viruses can mutate (change) into deadlier versions of sickness. This year’s bird flu, though, is deadly from the start.

Birds on farms get tested for the virus. Infected birds are quarantined. Even the equipment that’s used near sick poultry has to quarantine. It can’t travel more than about six miles from the barn. Then it’s time to disinfect.

Jesus tells us to follow the example of birds and not worry about anything. (Matthew 6:25-34) You don’t need to worry about catching bird flu. God is taking care of you. The virus can spread from infected birds to people. But that’s rare. And even when it does happen, it doesn’t cause large outbreaks.

Bird flu might affect your parents’ wallets though. If enough birds get the flu, chicken, turkey, and egg prices could soar!