Bird Flu Detected in Flocks of Birds in Maine and New York

Bird flu has been detected in flocks of birds in Maine and New York.

Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center tested samples from non-commercial flocks of birds, and it resulted in the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Fox Business reports the samples were confirmed at the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

The USDA posted a notice saying both states have “quarantined the affected premises” and the birds will be “depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.” It added that the flocks of birds also won’t “enter the food system.”

However, Fox Business reports that the virus has been found in four commercial turkey farms in southern Indiana. The virus was also detected in a flock of commercial broiler chickens in Kentucky and a backed flock of mind species of birds in northern Virginia.

“By practicing good biosecurity, you can reduce the risk of people, animals, equipment, or vehicles carrying infectious diseases onto your property. You can listen to a commercial turkey producer describe the steps he takes to keep his birds safe here,” wrote the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in a tweet.