DOVER, DE — The Delaware Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial broiler flock in Kent County. State officials have quarantined the affected farm, and the flock is being depopulated to prevent further spread. Birds from the site will not enter the food system.
Avian flu, a highly contagious airborne virus, spreads rapidly through nasal secretions, manure, or even contaminated equipment and footwear. Both wild birds and domestic flocks are at risk, making proactive measures critical. The virus has already devastated local wildlife, with over 850 wild birds reported dead statewide, primarily snow geese.
Containment Measures in Place
The Department of Agriculture is ramping up efforts to protect other flocks and minimize transmission. Producers are urged to monitor their birds for signs of illness, including respiratory distress, swelling, discoloration, or unusual behavior. Backyard flock owners are asked to immediately contact the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline if they encounter sickness or increased mortality in their birds.
“This is not just a coastal problem,” emphasized state officials, warning that the virus spreads quickly as migratory birds like snow geese move from water to farm fields. Strong biosecurity protocols are essential to shield both commercial operations and backyard setups.
Poultry Producers Must Act
To combat the spread, officials recommend:
- Limiting who and what enters farms.
- Sanitizing equipment and shoes.
- Keeping flocks covered and away from wild birds.
- Isolating sick birds immediately.
Additionally, new birds should be purchased only from certified, disease-free suppliers, and quarantined before mixing with established flocks.
While the risk to human health remains low, precautions are necessary. Neither injured nor dead wild birds should be handled. Residents can report sightings via the DNREC’s Sick and Dead Wildlife Reporting Form.
A Call for Vigilance
This outbreak is a sobering reminder of Delaware’s vulnerability to avian influenza. Poultry owners must remain vigilant to protect their flocks and uphold the state as a leader in agriculture. Timely action will be critical in controlling this outbreak and preventing further losses.
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