First bird flu case detected in Pennsylvania poultry farm

In the United States, an outbreak of bird flu, specifically highly pathogenic avian influenza, has been confirmed on a poultry farm in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. This case marks the first known instance of bird flu on a farm in Pennsylvania for the year 2025, as announced by the state's Department of Agriculture. The infected flock consists of around 50,000 chickens. The presence of the virus was identified through testing at the Pennsylvania Diagnostic Laboratory System, with samples subsequently sent for verification to the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory. The state agency is actively working to contain the outbreak by implementing quarantine measures and restricting the movement of poultry within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected farm. Despite the confirmed infection, officials stress that there is no immediate threat to public health, and poultry products are safe to consume if prepared properly. Public awareness of biosecurity measures on farms is being emphasized to prevent further spread of the virus. Simultaneously, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, and there have been reports of bird flu among wild birds in the region, including sick geese found in Philadelphia. The development of efficient containment strategies is crucial as both local and federal teams work in a coordinated effort to safeguard Pennsylvania's poultry and dairy industries from potential widespread impacts of the avian flu outbreak. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and robust biosecurity protocols to protect both domestic animals and public health, as the environment for poultry farming remains susceptible to outbreaks of this nature.