First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry Confirmed in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Agricultural Service has identified the first positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry in Pennsylvania.

This case was found in a flock of commercial flock at a poultry farm in Lancaster County.

Both state and federal inter-ministerial task forces have been prepared and are in the process of responding.

There is no risk to the public and poultry and eggs can be safely eaten if cooked properly, but HPAI is highly infectious and can be used on poultry such as chickens, ducks, geese, quails, pheasants, guinea fowls and turkeys. It can be fatal.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the detection of bird flu does not immediately indicate public health concerns.

No human cases of bird flu have been detected in the United States.

Positive samples were taken from a herd in East Danegor Township, Lancaster County and tested at the Pennsylvania Veterinary Institute.

This discovery was confirmed by the National Institute of Veterinary Services in Ames, Iowa. This department quarantined farms and all commercial poultry facilities within a 10km radius of the infected herd.

“Protecting Pennsylvania’s $ 7.1 billion poultry industry is a top priority throughout the year. Strict biosecurity protocols are in place for both Pennsylvania farms and poultry products shipped inside and outside the state. Since 2016, we have budgeted and secured $ 2 million to combat pennsylvania. In addition, equipment, equipment, laboratories and highly trained professionals are vigilant and poultry raising. We support vendors. There are no immediate public health concerns for Pennsylvania citizens and we are ready to address this agricultural issue, although wild birds carry viruses and respect property and state boundaries. Anyone who visits the farm should be aware that your car or shoes can carry the virus from other places you walked in. Clean them thoroughly and you are there. Keep away from the poultry hut unless you need to be in. Be vigilant and play your part in protecting our farm, “said PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Reading.

As mentioned earlier, the Inter-Ministry HPAI Task Force has been working regularly to address the threat of disease to wild bird and poultry populations in Pennsylvania.

This task force includes the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Department, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, General Services Department, Environmental Protection Department, State Police, Game Commission, Air Force State Soldiers, and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services. And wildlife services.

The Task Force implements a response plan that includes both education and outreach for the general public. The plan also includes minimizing risk factors through rigorous biosecurity measures and continuous monitoring, testing, and management.

This is the first confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial poultry in Pennsylvania since its outbreak in 1983-84.

As of April 15, 2022, 27 states, including most of the states around Pennsylvania, have been identified with birds infected with commercial and backyard poultry herds.

The USDA website contains a complete list of confirmed poultry infections Like wild birds.

Genetic analysis of samples taken in other US states shows that the virus is spread by infected wild birds. Wild birds in Pennsylvania were found to be infected in March, including a bald eagle in Chester County and four ducks in Venango County.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads primarily through direct contact between healthy birds and the excrement of infected birds.

The disease can cause sudden death without clinical symptoms. Lack of energy and appetite; Reduced spawning; Soft-shelled or malformed eggs; Swelling of the head, eyelids, combs, wattles, hock; purple discoloration of wattles, combs, legs. Runny nose, cough, sneezing, lack of coordination and diarrhea.

If you suspect that your poultry is infected with bird flu, report your concerns to the Pennsylvania Animal Health Diagnostic Service Office (717-772-2852, Option 1) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ill or dead wild birds should be reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (610-926-3136). [email protected]..

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For more information on bird flu, please visit the department’s website. Agriculture.pa.gov..for A complete list of confirmed infections In the United States, visit the USDA website for more information on biosecurity. USDA APHIS | Protecting the Flock Program..