Avian flu continues to spread in south-central Pennsylvania.For the first time, there are now positive flocks in Berks County.The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the two flocks are at commercial duck farms. One is identified as a duck breeder and the other raised ducks for their meat.Another 29,500 birds were killed.New control zoneThe new positives mean there is now a new control zone.The initial control zone was set up in mid-April after a flock tested positive in East Donegal Township, Lancaster County.That control zone expanded as avian flu spread to other flocks in nearby areas.Now there is a new control zone in Berks County.The control zone is the approximately six miles surrounding each of the affected farms.Farms in the control zone must enhance their cleaning and disinfecting practices, as well as increase testing for the virus before moving any products.Avian flu in PennsylvaniaSo far in Pennsylvania, nine flocks have been impacted and nearly 3.9 million birds have been killed.All of the positive cases have been in Berks and Lancaster counties.Report avian flu casesIf you suspect live poultry is infected, you are asked to report it to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Service at 717-772-2852. That number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Symptoms of avian flu in poultry include a lack of energy and appetite.Avian flu riskThere is no risk to the public, and poultry and eggs are safe to eat if cooked properly.But highly pathogenic avian influenza is highly infectious and can be fatal to domestic birds (chickens, ducks, geese, quail, pheasants, guinea fowl and turkeys).According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, avian influenza detections do not present an immediate public health concern.
Avian flu continues to spread in south-central Pennsylvania.
For the first time, there are now positive flocks in Berks County.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the two flocks are at commercial duck farms. One is identified as a duck breeder and the other raised ducks for their meat.
Another 29,500 birds were killed.
New control zone
The new positives mean there is now a new control zone.
The initial control zone was set up in mid-April after a flock tested positive in East Donegal Township, Lancaster County.
That control zone expanded as avian flu spread to other flocks in nearby areas.
Now there is a new control zone in Berks County.
The control zone is the approximately six miles surrounding each of the affected farms.
Farms in the control zone must enhance their cleaning and disinfecting practices, as well as increase testing for the virus before moving any products.
Avian flu in Pennsylvania
So far in Pennsylvania, nine flocks have been impacted and nearly 3.9 million birds have been killed.
All of the positive cases have been in Berks and Lancaster counties.
Report avian flu cases
If you suspect live poultry is infected, you are asked to report it to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Service at 717-772-2852. That number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Symptoms of avian flu in poultry include a lack of energy and appetite.
Avian flu risk
There is no risk to the public, and poultry and eggs are safe to eat if cooked properly.
But highly pathogenic avian influenza is highly infectious and can be fatal to domestic birds (chickens, ducks, geese, quail, pheasants, guinea fowl and turkeys).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, avian influenza detections do not present an immediate public health concern.
