As birds fly south for the winter, they're carrying with them some unwelcome cargo: the H5N1 virus, or bird flu.

In the past 30 days, the virus has struck 66 poultry flocks , leading to the deaths of more than 3.5 million turkeys, chickens and ducks, a steep increase compared to the summer months. The virus can spread easily when infected wild birds mix with commercial or backyard flocks.

At the moment, states in the middle of the country are hardest hit. But scientists expect more outbreaks in other parts of the country, given bird migratory patterns.

If not taken seriously, the fallout could lead to more than high egg prices. Influenza researchers fear a replay of last year when, for the first time, the U.S. saw close to 70 human cases, including one death.

"Absolutely we're going

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