Pa’s first avian influenza cases in 2023 detected in central Pa. poultry flocks

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Pa’s first avian influenza cases in 2023 detected in central Pa. poultry flocks 

• Updated: Feb. 03, 2023, 9:32 a.m.|
• Published: Feb. 03, 2023, 8:17 a.m.
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• Sue Gleiter | sgleiter@pennlive.com

Cases of the highly contagious strain of avian influenza continue to affect poultry flocks in central Pennsylvania.

 

The United States Department of Agriculture confirmed the disease was recently detected in two flocks in Lancaster County. About 32,800 birds were affected at a commercial duck facility and another 3,200 birds impacted at a second farm, according to USDA data.It marks the first cases in Pennsylvania in the new year.

While the USDA doesn’t release the flock’s locations, Lancaster Farming reported the commercial duck facility is in Clay Township and the second flock from a facility in East Earl Township that raises ducks for live markets.

Nationally, avian influenza has affected more than 58.2 million birds. Avian influenza is a disease caused by an infection with avian influenza Type A viruses. It is naturally spread by wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry.

The state’s first positive case in poultry was detected in the spring of 2022 at a farm in East Donegal Township, which is home to nearly 1,700 of Pennsylvania’s more than 10,300 poultry operations. The farm euthanized 1.4 million chickens in response to the detection.

Despite the spread of the avian flu at poultry facilities, the state Department of Agriculture has said chicken and other poultry products remain safe to eat.

The avian influenza is being blamed for rising egg prices, which are selling for about $5 a dozen at some stores. Pennsylvania is typically the fourth largest producer of eggs in the nation.