Ohio authorities have confirmed that nearly a million chickens are infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Darke County. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has reported 931,302 chickens infected with the virus, which is located near Dayton, Ohio.
According to Dr. Dennis Summers, Ohio’s State Veterinarian, authorities are taking precautions to prevent contaminated products from leaving the farm. “We take all necessary precautions to make sure there’s no infected product that leaves the premise,” he said.
Dr. Summers explained that HPAI spreads through bird-to-bird contact and is highly fatal. He warned that symptoms include discoloration in the head or face, lethargy, and reduced eating and drinking. The virus can spread rapidly through poultry and turkey populations.
Experts estimate it will take two to three months for the affected farm to return to normal operations due to the necessary procedures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes a low risk of transmission to humans, while the USDA advises handling products properly and cooking them to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information on HPAI, visit HERE.
Source: https://local12.com/news/nation-world/bird-flu-discovered-nearly-a-million-chickens-ohio-darke-county-consumer-national-veterinary-services-laboratory-hpai-oda-control-area-surveillance-zone-monitor-facilities-threat-level-contamination-depopulated-spread-disease-danger-precaution-clean-up