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Federal scientists have confirmed cases of an infectious avain flu strain in several species of Florida birds, the state announced Tuesday. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is investigating bird mortalities in Brevard, Indian River and Volusia counties that are believed to be caused by “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.” The agency was notified of the presence of the disease by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, according to an FWC statement released Monday. The affected species include the lesser scaup, black vulture “and other species,” the FWC said. (Goodhue, 2/23)

Advisors to the CDC will consider today whether to clarify flu vaccine guidelines and for the first time recommend a "high dose" shot over a standard dose for seniors. Even amid the pandemic, flu remains a major public health threat, especially for adults older than 65. to state a "clear preference" for its Fluzone high-dose vaccine products for adults over 65 in time to factor into federal guidance for the 2022-23 flu season. (Reed, 2/23)

An analysis of census survey data shows low-income parents lost both child care and income at much higher rates than their wealthier counterparts during this winter’s covid surge. (Bhattarai and Fowers, 2/22)

Synthetic rubber manufacturer Firestone Polymers of Sulphur will pay a $3.35 million fine to settle allegations that it emitted illegally excessive amounts of toxic chemicals, federal and state officials said Tuesday. Acting on behalf of the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Environmental Quality, the federal Department of Justice filed a complaint in U.S. District Court against Firestone in September, accusing it of emitting large amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and other hazardous chemicals, officials said. Those emissions ran afoul of the federal Clean Air Act and other anti-pollution laws. (Schleifstein, 2/23)