40 Birds in Portage County Found with Avian Flu

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced that “approximately” 40 birds in a Portage County backyard were confirmed to be infected with avian flu by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

The laboratory confirmed the bird flu infection on Feb. 28.

According to Bryan Levin, public information officer of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, 29 of the birds were “depopulated,” which federal health experts define as the rapid destruction of a population of animals in response to urgent circumstances with as much consideration.

Levin says the rest of the flock died prior to depopulation. 

“When there is a detection, ODA quarantines the facility, and birds are depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. A surveillance zone is set up to monitor other facilities nearby and USDA guidelines are followed,” Levin explained.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the current risk to the general public is low. 

Ohio continues to lead the nation in number of cases of bird flu, or HPAI. As of March 10, the state has reported that 14,668,285 birds among 73 flocks have been affected by avian flu. 

Last month, the Ohio Department of Health reported the state’s first human case of bird flu after a Mercer County farmer tested positive.

Experts stress that bird flu is almost never transmitted from person to person. Those with “close and prolonged, unprotected contact with infected birds” face the greatest threat.

“While the risk to Ohioans is low, the best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead birds or to their environment,” ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said in a statement. “People should avoid direct contact with poultry or wild birds and take proper precautions, including reaching out for guidance regarding personal protection and safe handling, if you must be around sick or dead birds.”

3News’ Tyler Carey contributed to this story