The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is urging all poultry owners to remain vigilant in protecting their birds from highly pathogenic avian influenza after detecting a new case in Northumberland County.
The department quarantined the affected farm, establishing a 6.2-mile control area around it. Anyone within about 2 miles of the infected farm may not transport any poultry or egg products.
For a complete listing of confirmed infections in the U.S. visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website, usda.gov.
To learn more about avian influenza, including whether your farm is within the control area of an infected farm, visit the state ag department’s website, agriculture.pa.gov.
Those financially affected by control or quarantine zones, losses in their flocks or testing costs can seek reimbursement through the HPAI Recovery Reimbursement Grant program, administered by the state ag department.
In a release about the new case, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that avian influenza does not present an immediate health concern. Poultry and eggs remain safe to eat and human health is not at risk.
“While the commonwealth has not had a case of HPAI since March 17, 2023, the Shapiro Administration and industry have remained vigilant and prepared,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in the release. “In partnership with USDA and PA Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, we quickly responded to the incident.
“This case is a reminder that this disease can strike anywhere, at any time, and that poultry owners must protect their birds through biosecurity and planning.”
Redding encourages poultry owners to practice biosecurity daily; maintain a clean environment with disinfectant; keep birds inside whenever possible to minimize potential contact with wild birds; eliminate standing water and possible entry points for wild birds; and control birds and rodents that can carry the disease.
Report suspected avian flu cases and any unusual bird deaths to the department at 717-772-2852.
Sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 610-926-3136 or pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov.
Source: Berkshire mont