A local farm in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, has been struck by the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) this year. The outbreak confirmed in the state’s domestic poultry population resulted in the culling of approximately 120,000 chickens.
The confirmation of Avian Flu in the county follows numerous cases reported across the United States in recent months. In December 2024, Pennsylvania’s agriculture agencies instated enhanced surveillance measures in response to the escalating occurrence of the virus nationwide. These efforts played a vital role in the early identification of the Lehigh County farm’s affected birds.
“We are taking all necessary steps to limit the spread of the virus and safeguard our local farms while carefully monitoring the health of additional birds in Pennsylvania,” said a spokesperson from the state’s Department of Agriculture. The statement highlights the importance of continual vigilance amidst the still-elevated possibility of further outbreaks in the coming weeks and months.
The HPAI H5 strain, a particularly destructive and contagious form of bird flu, has garnered worldwide concern due to its agricultural and economic consequences. The virus can spread through direct contact, migratory wild birds, contaminated equipment, vehicles, and clothing, increasing the challenges for local and nationwide eradication campaigns.
With the culling of the affected farm’s chickens, nearby poultry farms are under observation, and stringent biosecurity measures are implemented to minimize any potential risk. The state Department of Agriculture plans to coordinate a more detailed investigation to determine an accurate route of transmission and take preventive actions to avoid localized transmission.
Representatives of the affected farm emphasize that at the present moment, there appears to be no direct correlation to other local farms’ poultry populations. They also stress that retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses will remain operational without any disruptions in the supply chain of their various products.
The Department of Agriculture encourages local poultry farmers to maintain strict biosecurity protocols, ensuring continued monitoring of their flocks. In addition, they urge farmers to report instances of abnormal bird deaths to their local veterinarians or the state livestock health officials for immediate action.
