December 30, 2023

Bird flu detected in Pennsylvania, US

The Department of Agriculture of Pennsylvania, United States, has detected a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) found in a farm in Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, Fox 56 Wolf reported.

The affected farm has been promptly quarantined, and a control area, imposing testing requirements and transportation permits, has been established within a 10 km radius.

Poultry owners residing within 3 km of the affected farm are now restricted from transporting poultry or egg products. While samples from the detection are undergoing confirmatory testing at the USDA National Veterinary Services lab, the Department is working closely with the premises operator to respond swiftly and mitigate the impact.

This recent case marks the first instance of HPAI in Pennsylvania since March 17, 2023. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention assured the public that avian influenza does not pose an immediate public health concern.

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding stressed the importance of vigilance, especially with wild bird migration ongoing. As a precaution, the Pennsylvania Farm has decided not to include live birds in their 2024 show to prevent the potential spread of avian influenza across the country.

-      Fox 56 Wolf