Delaware reports first case of H5 avian influenza detected on Kent County farm
DOVER, Del. - Officials in Delaware on Friday announced the state's first presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza found at a farm in Kent County.
Samples taken from a "commercial broiler flock" were sent to the University of Delaware’s Lasher Laboratory in Georgetown and came back "presumed positive."
Further testing on the samples is being done at the United States Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Service Laboratory.
Delaware's Department of Agriculture said the impacted area has been quarantined and the birds on the property are being "depopulated" to prevent spread.
A hen belonging to Casim Abbas, a mathematics professor at Michigan State University, prepares to lay eggs in the chicken coop at his small egg farm at his home in Williamston, Michigan, on February 8, 2023. - Due to the ongoing egg shortage and the
Health officials vow that birds from the infected flock will not enter the food system.
Over the past weekend, Delaware poultry producers were encouraged to take precautions after sick and dead snow geese at Prime Hook Beach, in Sussex County, returned positive lab tests for bird flu.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads among birds through nasal and eye secretions, officials explained in a statement.
The virus can spread from flock-to-flock, including among flocks of wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, equipment, and shoes of caretakers.
The virus is primarily known to affect chicken, ducks, turkey and some wild bird species.
Health officials have advised poultry owners in Delaware to "increase their vigilance in protecting their flocks from contracting avian influenza."
- Limit, monitor, and record any movement of people, vehicles, or animals on or off your farm.
- Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm to limit the chances of bringing the virus from an outside source.
- Avoid visiting other poultry farms and any unnecessary travel off the farm.
- Disinfect equipment, vehicles, footwear, and other items that come into contact with flocks.
- Keep your flock away from wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
- Isolate any ill animals and contact your veterinarian.
State officials say do not touch or handle sick, injured or dead birds and pay special attention to keep pets and children away as well. Anyone who comes across sick or dead wild birds should contact state authorities immediately.