Two Ohio counties, Mercer and Darke, have declared a state of emergency over the ongoing bird flu outbreaks. The counties are seeking additional funding and support from the state to combat the disease.
Ralph Schlatter, owner of Canal Junction Farm in Paulding County, is not concerned about the outbreaks despite being relatively close to the affected areas. He attributes his farm’s better care for its 500 egg-laying hens as a key factor in reducing the risk of infection.
However, Ohio Department of Agriculture director Brian Baldridge disagrees, stating that flock size does not impact susceptibility to bird flu. The state is currently experiencing one of the largest outbreaks, with over 12 million chickens killed since 2025 alone.
The bird flu virus has been affecting the US since early 2022, and Ohio has been hit harder than any other state. Baldridge expressed hope that the end of the outbreak is near, but stressed the need for continued monitoring to ensure a swift resolution.
Source: https://www.13abc.com/2025/02/22/two-ohio-counties-declare-emergency-over-bird-flu-local-farmer-discusses-threat