November 6, 2023

Close to 48,000 birds dead in north Alabama, US  after bird flu strikes chicken farm

Nearly 48,000 birds were killed in north Alabama, US farm following the confirmation of the presence of highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) in a flock of chickens, state agriculture officials said.

A Marshall County commercial pullet farm — one that raises chicks from hatching until they are ready to produce eggs when they are moved to a laying barn — was placed under quarantine after samples were confirmed positive for HPAI, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries announced on November 3.

"It is critical for commercial and backyard poultry operations to remain alert and closely monitor the health of their poultry," said Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Tony Frazier in a joint statement. "The HPAI infected flock in Marshall County reinforces the need to continue following strict biosecurity measures, including keeping birds enclosed without access to wild birds or other domestic flocks."

All poultry within a 6.2-mile radius of the farm are being tested and monitored, al.com reported. However, no other flocks have experienced an uptick in deaths, the news site reported.

- AP