Franklin County non-commercial flock hit by bird flu
In Franklin County, Vermont, a small, non-commercial flock of 24 birds has been devastated by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. This marks the fourth such incident in Vermont since 2022, highlighting a persistent risk to domestic birds.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the USDA confirmed the outbreak after tests at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
The affected flock was quickly quarantined and depopulated to prevent further spread of the disease. While HPAI poses a low risk to human health, its impact on poultry can be severe, necessitating strict biosecurity measures.
Officials are monitoring the situation closely, with no further reports of the disease in nearby flocks. Bird and cattle owners are advised to implement enhanced biosecurity practices to shield their animals from potential infection through contact with wild birds or contaminated environments.
This outbreak serves as a critical reminder for the agricultural community to remain vigilant and report any signs of illness in birds or cattle immediately.
Resources and further guidance on biosecurity measures can be found on the USDA website at - USDA Biosecurity Toolkit.