A flock of 24 non-commercial birds in a Vermont backyard was euthanized after testing positive for H5N1 bird flu, according to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The birds were found dead on December 18, prompting an investigation by state and federal health officials. Testing confirmed the presence of bird flu, and the rest of the flock was quarantined to prevent further spread.
This is the fourth instance of bird flu detected in domestic stock since 2022. However, there have been no reported cases of human illness in Vermont or New England, and the strain that affected this flock is not the same one affecting dairy cattle herds nationwide.
The USDA has launched a national milk testing strategy to detect bird flu, and so far, no person-to-person transmissions have been reported in Louisiana and California. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first severe human case of bird flu in Louisiana on December 13.
Bird flu symptoms include eye redness, fever, cough, and diarrhea. Health officials urge people who interact with infected animals to take precautions, such as avoiding unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and protecting pets from exposure to wild animals.
Source: https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/12/new-england-backyard-flock-tests-positive-for-bird-flu-birds-euthanized.html