It was the fourth occasion of H5N1 fowl flu in a home flock in Vermont because the spring of 2022 and “emphasizes the continuing want for vigilance because the illness continues to be an ongoing threat to home birds,” officers stated within the assertion.
The proprietor of the birds contacted authorities Dec. 19 after the primary fowl died on Dec. 18 after which the flock “skilled ongoing losses,” officers stated.
“The remaining flock was quarantined to stop the unfold of illness and was depopulated this previous Saturday by officers from VAAFM with the settlement and understanding of the flock’s house owners,” officers stated within the assertion. “Currently, VAAFM has acquired no reviews of sickness in further Vermont flocks.”
The Vermont Department of Health is monitoring the people who had contact with the contaminated birds and their atmosphere, officers stated.
Vermont officers stated there have been no human circumstances reported in New England throughout the present outbreak, and lab testing confirmed that this specific case of fowl flu shouldn’t be the pressure that’s impacting dairy cattle in other states.
“This localized outbreak reinforces the significance of poultry house owners, farmers and hunters to report sick and lifeless birds. Despite the low threat to the general public, the virus stays lethal to many species of birds,” officers stated within the assertion. “All fowl house owners, from those that personal yard pets to business farmers, are strongly inspired to overview biosecurity measures to assist shield their flocks.”
Dairy farmers and dairy cattle house owners are additionally suggested to implement biosecurity measures, officers stated.
“Anyone concerned with poultry or cattle, from the small yard farms to the big business producer, ought to overview their biosecurity actions to make sure the well being of their birds and cattle, limit human motion onto the farm and restrict contact with animals to solely those that NEED to be there. Non-essential personnel and guests shouldn’t be allowed,” officers stated within the assertion.
The virus can unfold to home poultry and cattle by contact with contaminated wild birds or their droppings, officers stated.
To cut back the danger, wild birds needs to be avoided poultry and their meals and water, and poultry needs to be avoided wild fowl meals and water, officers stated.
Vermont officers are additionally reminding the general public to put on gloves whereas cleansing fowl feeders and wash your palms completely afterwards. If you drink milk, officers say to ensure it’s pasteurized, as a result of the H5N1 bird flu virus can survive in raw milk for weeks.
Officials stated lifeless or sick birds needs to be reported as quickly as potential to Vermont authorities at 802-828-2421 or by the USDA’s toll-free quantity at 1-866-536-7593.
Emily Sweeney will be reached at emily.sweeney@globe.com. Follow her @emilysweeney and on Instagram @emilysweeney22.
