Poultry owners, please be aware of the advisory in Pennsylvania copied below regarding the continued spread of High-Path Avian Influenza.
The appropriate New Jersey letters are found in the following links:
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Letter for Veterinarians
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Letter to Poultry Owners
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Letter to Live Bird Markets
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Letter to Poultry Distributors
“January 9, 2023
Pennsylvania Poultry Industry
Dear Pennsylvania Poultry Producers,
As you know, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (H5) has been circulating in the wild bird population in the United States and was identified in commercial poultry in early 2022. On April 14, 2022, the first case of HPAI H5 was detected in a commercial layer flock in Pennsylvania. Since then, the virus has continued to spread into backyard flocks and commercial poultry facilities across the United States, affecting 47 states to date. More than 57 million birds have been lost due to HPAI. More than 4.5 million birds have been lost in Pennsylvania, and a total of 38 Pennsylvania flocks have been affected. Identification of new cases has continued across the United States. The most recent case of HPAI has been reported in the US as recently as January 4th. Wild bird detections continue in multiple states. These recent cases should act as a reminder that a virulent strain of Avian Influenza virus continues to circulate in the wild bird population and still threatens commercial and backyard poultry. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture first recommended that organic producers move poultry indoors in February 2022. At this time, we recommend that all poultry [In PA] be maintained indoors. Producers are also encouraged to implement strict biosecurity practices, monitor bird health, and report any unexplained mortality and morbidity [In PA] to the Department at 717-772-2852 (24/7).”
[state added by Melissa Bravo for clarification for plant pest advisory post]
Thank you,
Kevin D. Brightbill, DVM | State Veterinarian | Director
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture | Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services
2301 North Cameron Street | Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 717.705.1626 | Fax: 717.787.1868
www.agriculture.pa.gov
kebrightbi@pa.gov
