The state of Utah has culled more than 100,000 turkeys after bird flu was detected.
“Between November 10 to 19, 2024, three turkey farms in Piute County totaling 107,800 turkeys and one backyard flock of 253 birds in Salt Lake County were confirmed positive for HPAI; the strains for each outbreak are currently undergoing sequencing,” a statement from the state’s Department of Agriculture and Food said.
“Though the overall risk to public health remains low, HPAI is a serious disease, requiring rapid response, including depopulation of affected flocks as it is highly contagious and fatal to poultry. Affected birds were depopulated within 24 hours of diagnosis at each site to limit further disease spread. Overall impacts to the food supply are anticipated to be limited at this time.”
Authorities conducted an on-site burial for the poultry. According to the agency, the disposal method was determined to be “acceptable” as officials ensured there would be no impact to “groundwater or other environmental concerns.”
The agency then urged poultry owners to “practice strong biosecurity and monitor flocks for signs of illness and report any sick birds immediately to the State Veterinarian’s Office.”
Last month, Utah saw a bird flu outbreak affecting 1.85 million birds. Five facilities are currently quarantined.
