By Jamie Martin
The National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed that a poultry farm in Kent County, Delaware, tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, specific to the Eurasian lineage 2.3.4.4b. This diagnosis, announced on January 3, 2025, highlights the ongoing vigilance required in monitoring poultry health.
Poultry farms across Delaware are advised to watch for signs of the disease, including respiratory symptoms and decreased egg production. These indicators are crucial for early detection and response to prevent further spread.
For backyard flock owners, the Delaware Department of Agriculture emphasizes the importance of not bringing affected birds into homes or labs.
Instead, they should contact the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at poultry.health@delaware.gov or call 302-698-4507 with any concerns regarding their birds’ health.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact between domestic flocks and wild birds, maintaining good biosecurity practices, and ensuring new birds are sourced from reputable, NPIP-certified suppliers.
The state also mandates registration of all poultry locations to facilitate rapid response and communication in case of an outbreak.
For more details on registration and preventive tips, visit Delaware Department of Agriculture Poultry Registration.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: National