The bird disease is where in PA is probably one of the most searched keywords in the state and nearby areas. A poultry farm in Lancaster County is said to be where the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was first detected in 2022. Aside from this avian flu Lancaster, PA, there are other cases recorded.
Learn more about this bird disease outbreak and what you can and not do. This information will help you monitor wild and domestic birds in your area.
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Bird Virus Pennsylvania
Avian Influenza is being monitored by the Disease Control and Prevention Centers since it was detected in late 2021 and this year 2022. A chicken bird flu outbreak is detected in chicken flocks in Lancaster County and Utah County.
It was also found in a dead undomesticated bald eagle in Chester County and a few more wild bird cases scattered around several counties.
By March 2022, it was certain the HPAI outbreak had affected both wild and domestic birds in over 20 states throughout the east and midwestern part of the United States.
The Department of Agriculture reported over 47 million birds were infected with HPAI with 243 commercial flocks and 299 backyard flocks.
This detailed bird flu map including a PA avian flu map by the U.S. Geological Survey, shows the distribution of the cases across North America from 2021 up to the present. Check below:
Current Status in Pennsylvania
There is a high pandemic risk and significant concern with the PA bird disease. This is due to its rapid mutations and the possible transfer from poultry to humans.
The government is on high alert and has laid down strict measures to protect the state’s poultry industry.
Prevention
Anyone who works with poultry, whether on a commercial farm or in their yard, should know about biosecurity. This will help you take the proper steps to keep the bird flu Pennsylvania from infecting your flocks. Have a plan in place and follow through with it every day.
Make sure you are registered with your local agriculture department. They can give you a heads-up when a disease outbreak is near your area.
Reporting Requirements
Look out for these symptoms in your poultry:
- Swollen heads
- Lack of appetite
- Respiratory distress
- Dullness
- Diarrhea
- Considerable decrease in egg production
- The blue coloration of the wattles and comb
If these are present, or if you suspect your flock is infected, report it right away. The same should be done when you find sick or dead wild birds.
Subtypes of Avian Influenza
The avian bird flu is a disease caused by an infection of the Type A virus. It is a naturally occurring virus in wild aquatic birds and can contaminate domestic poultry. Avians infected with this flu can shed the virus in their feces, nasal secretion, and saliva.
There are five avian influenzas A subtypes:
- H5- primarily identified in poultry and wild birds
- H6- its prevalence is unknown but identified in domestic poultry and wild waterfowl
- H7- some subtypes of this virus are linked to human infections
- H9- virus infections in individuals with mild upper respiratory tract disease have been reported
- H10- virus subtypes are detected in mink and swine, and can also infect humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there avian flu in Pennsylvania?
Yes. There is an avian flu in Pennsylvania detected in both commercial and backyard flocks. Affected farms are quarantined and cleaned of potentially infected materials. All poultry owners are advised to protect their flocks by taking proper steps and biosecurity.
Is it safe to feed the birds again in Pennsylvania?
There is no official recommendation to take down feeders and stop feeding birds. Besides, there is a very low risk of avian flu in wild Pennsylvania birds.
You can continue feeding the birds if you don’t have domestic poultry. Regularly clean the feeders and birdbaths to prevent any diseases. Check with your state government for any announcements and developments regarding this matter.
What are the mysterious bird deaths In PA?
Hundreds of songbirds died in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2021. The outbreak vanished after a year, but researchers are still unsure of the new bird virus that infected the birds. They have ruled out several causes, including the West Nile virus, Avian Influenza, and regular diseases.
The only answer to this is by theory. The birds ingested a specific type of cicadas that surfaced at that time. This caused digestive issues that led to their death.
Conclusion
After reading through this article, which is a result of your ‘bird disease is where in PA’ search, we hope that you have more knowledge about this bird illness PA. There is information about the strain, symptoms, prevention, and current status of avian influenza in Pennsylvania.
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