Coming into 2022, the foreign animal disease has been in the back of producers’ minds as reports showed cases of avian influenza and African swine flu.

In mid-January, we saw the first case in the wild since 2016 in a bird in South Carolina. Since then, producers were warned to be extra mindful of the disease, in hopes of stopping it from entering commercial flocks.

So, how far has the disease spread in the US?

The Spread of the Disease in Commercial Flocks

Indiana- Indiana was the first state to see the bird flu in commercial flocks since 2020. On February 9th, the USDA confirmed the state’s first case. Throughout the month, more cases have been detected in flocks in Indiana. Earlier this week, the flu was found on the 4th turkey farm in the state.

Kentucky- On February 14th, the USDA confirmed the presence of the disease in a commercial broiler chicken flock in Fulton County, Kentucky. The flock was tested after the chicken operation reported an increase in poultry deaths on February 11. 

Delaware- Testing has confirmed a case of avian influenza in Delaware yesterday, February 23, on a poultry farm that has 1.2 million birds. According to the Deleware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse, this seems to be an isolated case.

Get our free mobile app

Avian Influenza in Backyard Flocks

Virginia- The USDA confirmed a case of the disease in a backyard flock in Fauquier County Virginia on February 14th.

Maine-  Two cases have been detected of avian influenza in small flocks in Maine. On Wednesday, February 23, the state announced the second case in a small flock in Knox County,

New York- Authorities confirmed the disease on a non-commercial backyard flock on Long Island last Saturday, February 19th.

Michigan- A strain of the disease has been detected today, February 24 in a Michigan non-commercial flock in Kalamazoo County Michigan.

When the disease is detected, the flocks are depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. The disease does not pose a threat to the chicken you consume.

The disease has been detected in wild birds throughout the East coast as well.

Abandoned Iowa: An Old Farmhouse

An old farmhouse in northeast Iowa shows what Father Time does to a perfectly normal dwelling after decades of abandonment.

No Squirrel Monkey for You, Bub! These Animals Are ILLEGAL in Iowa

Don't even think about bringing home a cute baby elephant next time you're on safari! It's a NO GO in Iowa! (Duh?)

More From 98.1 KHAK