Click on the player above to listen to the podcast or read the transcript below.
In case you haven’t heard, the bird flu is headed our way.
Some are concerned that the cost of eggs will increase as a result.
That is a problem to be sure, but there might be a solution.
Scientists have learned that all we have to do is put cotton masks on the faces of all the chickens in the world and make them stay 6 feet apart from one another.
That’s it.
Then everything will be fine.
We know that because that’s how “smart” people told us to deal with the Covid thing a couple of years back.
Enough Joking Around
If you are one of those people who believe in what used to be called science before it was redefined by people who wore white lab coats and called themselves scientists, you might be interested in information about the bird flu.
Avian influenza — the bird flu — has caught the attention of the CDC as a possible health “challenge.” Since April 2024, the virus has been detected in 35 commercial flocks and 22 backyard flocks in several states, impacting more than 18 million birds.
Of great concern, 202 herds of dairy cows in 14 states have been confirmed as having avian flu. That means the flu has jumped from birds to cattle.
Since April 2024, 14 cases of avian flu have been reported among humans — another term for most of us.
The CDC is actively investigating if avian flu is being passed human to human or if it is only spread through contact with infected animals.
For those who work with animals, the CDC has a whole bunch of recommendations on what you should do to protect yourself against the virus.
Hopefully, scientists … real scientists, not the kind that popped up all over the place during Covid, will identify how the virus is being passed and how to handle it.
Biblical Warnings
Not to put a downer on your day, but it’s worth noting that God has often used plagues to punish those who have refused to worship Him.
You may be familiar with the plagues that God inflicted on Egypt in order to release the Israelites from slavery, but there are many more examples.
After giving the Law to the people, God made it clear:
“If you do not carefully follow all the words of this law, which are written in this book, and do not revere this glorious and awesome name—the Lord your God— the Lord will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses.”
Deuteronomy 28:58-59 (NIV)
Later, when the people of Israel committed sins against God, the prophet Ezekiel warned the people what God would do.
“… if I send a plague into that land and pour out my wrath on it through bloodshed, killing its people and their animals, as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they could save neither son nor daughter.”
Ezekiel 14:19-20 (NIV)
And in the last days, the Bible says that God will send severe plagues upon the people of the earth, but rather than repenting, people will resist:
“… they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.”
Revelation 16:9 (NIV)
Hopefully, we are not at the level of wallowing in wickedness so that God finds it necessary to destroy us for our sins. But if you look around at our society, it’s understandable if you are concerned.
Pray that we will turn from our sins and return to God.
You might also want to pray that God will give our scientists wisdom on how to deal with the bird flu.
On a more positive note, I’d like to share a blessing with you from the Old Testament.
“May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (The Living Bible)
Until next time … be the reason someone smiles today
RESOURCES FOR THIS SUBSTACK EPISODE
“How Concerned Should We Be About Bird Flu?” by Katie Pearce Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, February 23, 2023.
“CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update September 13, 2024.” A report by the CDC.
“Is bird flu spreading among people?” by Heidi Ledford. Nature, 19 September 2024.
The Bird Flu is Coming!