Axios Visuals Migratory birds are driving up avian flu cases across the country, reviving concerns about U.S. readiness to respond to outbreaks, especially during the government shutdown. Why it matters: The most immediate concern is how the spread of the disease in commercial poultry flocks could drive up food prices.

The upswing in infections echoes a pattern from last year, when a slow increase in outbreaks in October and November led to an explosion of cases in the winter.

Migrating wild birds are spreading the virus to domesticated flocks, increasing the risk of eventually seeing a human outbreak. Scientists are troubled by the muted federal response.