DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The Ohio Department of Agriculture has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in Darke County, Ohio.
According to information obtained by NewsNation affiliate WDTN, 931,302 commercial layer chickens are involved in confirmed bird flu. The detection was found Friday, Dec. 27, by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, according to ODA.
The exact location was not given, as ODA reports farms are not identified “during active cases.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates the current risk to the public as low.
“Overall, CDC considers the risk to the general public associated with the ongoing U.S. HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak has not changed and remains low,” said the CDC.
Farmers and producers are always encouraged to review their “biosecurity practices.”
“When there is a detection, ODA quarantines the facility, and birds are depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease,” said ODA. “A control area and surveillance zone is set up to monitor other facilities nearby and USDA guidelines are followed.”
When flocks are reportedly impacted, products from those birds will not be entering the food system, according to ODA.
“Products from any HPAI-affected flocks are prohibited from entering the food system,” said ODA.
HPAI is not able to be transmitted through eggs or meat which has been cooked properly. When cooking eggs or poultry, ODA reminds you to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees before consuming, as well as following proper handling of the items.
