Data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service indicates that as of Feb. 7 two flocks in Lebanon County consisting of 139,500 birds are being quarantined after highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture had announced last week that at least one commercial poultry facility in Lebanon County was dealing with an outbreak of avian flu.
Read More: Avian flu detected at commercial poultry farm in Lebanon County, ag dept. says
According to APHIS data, a commercial broiler production facility with 53,500 birds and a commercial table egg layer facility with 86,000 birds have been confirmed as affected. The data shows that currently five commercial flocks and five backyard flocks are affected statewide, for a total of approximately 2.2 million birds.
An online map maintained by the state Bureau of Animal Health & Diagnostic Services shows areas of Bethel and Swatara townships are in the “control infected zone.”
The state Department of Agriculture said that presumed and confirmed positive farms are being quarantined, and that all commercial poultry facilities within 10 kilometers of infected flocks will be subject to testing requirements and restrictions on moving poultry product.
Additionally, dairy farms within 3 kilometers will be subject to testing and product transport restrictions.
“Pennsylvania continues to take swift, aggressive action to protect our farmers and our dairy and poultry industries from avian influenza,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a statement last week.
No infections have been detected in cattle or humans in Pennsylvania, and officials say there is no health risk to the general public.
More information about the avian influenza is available on the state’s website.
Read More:
- (2022) Poultry farmers, backyard birdwatchers can help stop the spread of avian flu
- (2024) Lebanon County dairy cattle free from avian flu; dairy products safe to consume
- (2025) Middle Creek prohibits access for snow geese viewing due to avian flu concerns
- (2025) Avian flu detected at commercial poultry farm in Lebanon County, ag dept. says
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