Western Kentucky backyard flocks test negative for bird flu

Backyard poultry flocks near the western Kentucky poultry farm where bird flu was found tested negative on initial testing for the disease, State Veterinarian Robert Stout announced.

State animal health workers took samples from poultry in backyard flocks within a two-mile radius of the farm, which produces hatching eggs for Perdue Farms Inc. The farm will remain under quarantine until the poultry houses on the farm are cleaned and disinfected, Stout said.

The state is developing plans to expand the testing radius for backyard flocks to 10 km, in order to contain and eradicate the disease, Stout said.

Additional tests are pending.