Abdelrahman
Bird Flu Outbreaks Reported in Lancaster County
Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate that three poultry flocks in Lancaster County have experienced outbreaks of bird flu. Within the past week, two poultry flocks and a commercial duck flock were affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza, impacting over 55,000 birds.
As of the latest update on Monday, active bird flu outbreaks have been confirmed in Lancaster, Lebanon, Cumberland, Dauphin, and Lehigh counties, with a total of more than 2.2 million birds affected statewide. To mitigate the spread of the virus, the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services has established safety zones around the impacted farms located in East Lampeter and Clay Townships.
According to the Department of Agriculture, any farms that test positive for the H5N1 virus are placed under quarantine. Furthermore, all commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer radius of these infected flocks must adhere to strict testing protocols and restrictions on the movement of poultry products. Nearby dairy farms, situated within 3 kilometers, are also required to follow these testing guidelines and movement limitations.
Fortunately, as of now, the state Department of Agriculture has reported no infections in dairy cattle or humans in Pennsylvania.
In a statement released on Thursday, a spokesperson from the Department of Agriculture reassured the public that there is currently no threat to human health, and that poultry products remain safe to consume when properly cooked. However, this strain of bird flu is highly transmissible and lethal to domesticated birds.
The previous significant outbreak occurred in 2022, which resulted in the euthanization of approximately 3.5 million birds across the state.
Dr. Gregory Martin, who specializes in poultry management and farm safety at Penn State Extension, emphasized that culling infected flocks is the most effective strategy for preventing the spread of influenza between farms. He noted that, compared to 2022, the poultry industry is now better prepared to address the current avian flu outbreak.
“From an educational and preparedness perspective, farmers are now more equipped to handle this situation,” Dr. Martin remarked. He further stressed the importance of stringent biosecurity measures, urging farmers and individuals with backyard chickens to clean all tools and clothing after interacting with birds and to keep wild birds separate from domestic flocks.
“This is the moment for farmers to enhance their biosecurity practices to ensure the safety of their birds,” Dr. Martin advised. “Much like protecting against wildfires, we need to take every precaution to safeguard our properties and families.”
By staying vigilant and implementing effective biosecurity practices, growers can help mitigate the risks posed by this current avian influenza outbreak.
