The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced the state’s first confirmed case of bird flu in domestic poultry on Monday. The virus was detected in a 50,000-bird layer chicken flock at a commercial farm in Lehigh County.
Preliminary samples tested by the PA Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) confirmed the presence of the H5, 2.3.4.4 HPAI strain, which is highly infectious and generally fatal to domestic birds.
Governor Josh Shapiro and his administration have implemented updated quarantine measures to protect Pennsylvania’s critical dairy and poultry industries. These measures have been adjusted as the virus evolves to minimize its impact on livestock.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reassured the public that there is no health risk to humans. Poultry products and eggs remain safe to eat if cooked properly, adhering to standard food safety guidelines.
HPAI is a significant concern for the agriculture industry due to its devastating impact on bird populations. Farmers are encouraged to implement strict biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of further spread.
Last week, health officials in Philadelphia announced that a snow goose found ill in the city tested positive for bird flu, or avian influenza. The discovery comes as the United States faces a bird flu outbreak that has sickened more than 60 people nationwide.
The ill goose, located near the 1200 block of North 59th Street on January 11, tested positive for avian influenza A, specifically the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Ravel-Nelson reassured the public that the risk to the city remains low but emphasized the importance of vigilance.
“The threat to Philadelphia from H5N1 remains low, but we are issuing this alert out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Ravel-Nelson said. She added that health officials continue to monitor the situation in Philadelphia and across the country.
