COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The bird flu outbreak has continued to hurt poultry farms across Ohio.

Since Christmas Eve, nearly 12 million birds have died from the avian flu across the Buckeye State and even one farmer in Mercer County contracted the virus. While the current risk of bird flu to the general public remains very low, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said those coming into contact with dead or sick poultry should take precautions.

This recent bird flu outbreak is just another setback for farmers in Ohio after last summer’s extended drought, which also impacted crops and production.

Due to this, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Farm Bureau to launch “We Got Your Back”. The new program offers free mental health resources to help farmers in the state.

“Putting together those resources that are easier, accessible is our goal and just bringing people together and again bringing more attention to this topic,” said Brian Baldridge, the director at the Ohio Department of Agriculture.