A backyard flock of 24 non-poultry birds in Franklin County, Vermont, has been infected with highly pathogenic avian flu, state officials announced on Thursday. The birds began dying from an unknown illness on December 19, and the rest of the flock was culled two days later.
The owner of the birds was monitored by the Vermont Department of Health, as well as other individuals who had direct or indirect contact with the infected birds. While New England has not seen any documented cases of H5N1 bird flu, over 60 people have been infected across the country since the outbreak began in March 2024.
The virus is considered a “low risk to human health,” but some health professionals are raising concerns that mutations could change its severity. Symptoms include conjunctivitis, fevers, body aches, and nausea. A severe case of H5N1 was confirmed last Wednesday in Louisiana, marking the fourth documented instance of the virus in a domestic flock in Vermont since 2022.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that avian flu has spread through over 900 dairy herds across 16 states. However, officials said the Franklin County case is not related to the strain affecting dairy herds elsewhere.
To stay vigilant, state and federal officials are urging animal owners to report sick and dead birds and cattle, as well as review their biosecurity measures to protect their herds and flocks.
Source: https://vtdigger.org/2024/12/26/avian-flu-found-in-backyard-flock-of-birds-in-franklin-county