Bird flu found in Columbus area backyard chicken flock

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a non-commercial, backyard chicken flock in Franklin County, Ohio.

Samples from all the flocks were first tested at state laboratories that are part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.  Results were subsequently confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

Samples from the Ohio flock were tested at the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

 Birds from the flocks will not enter the food system, according to the USDA.

the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the recent avian flu detections do not present an immediate public health concern.

No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.

As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 °F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners say they are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks.