A recent test has confirmed five birds in a backyard poultry flock in Stark County have contracted bird flu, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory identified highly pathogenic avian influenza in the birds on February 18.
The infected birds were destroyed, and the locations where the positive cases are found are not publicly disclosed by the department. Bird flu is a contagious viral disease primarily affecting wild and domestic birds, although rare human cases have been reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that bird flu is currently widespread in wild birds globally, presenting a low public health risk. However, an individual case of bird flu was recently confirmed in Mercer County involving a farm worker who had contact with diseased commercial poultry.
To prevent the spread of bird flu, it’s recommended to avoid direct contact with wild birds or sick or dead animals. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is responsible for reporting suspected cases in wild birds (800-945-3543), while the Ohio Department of Agriculture handles reports from backyard flocks (614-728-6220).
Source: https://eu.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2025/02/24/bird-flu-infects-backyard-poultry-flock-in-stark-county/79308229007