Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu Confirmed in Kentucky Backyard Flock

Federal and state officials have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Jessamine County, triggering immediate containment efforts to prevent the virus from spreading.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed HPAI in samples taken from the property, according to Kentucky State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Velasco III.

“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Office of State Veterinarian is working closely with federal animal health officials and other state agencies to contain this incident of avian influenza,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said.

Officials at the Jessamine County location notified the Kentucky Department of Agriculture on Dec. 6 after noticing increased mortality in the flock. Testing conducted by the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the USDA later confirmed the presence of HPAI.

State officials said the affected flock has been placed under quarantine, and depopulation efforts began on Dec. 11. Authorities also established a 10-kilometer surveillance zone around the infected site, placing movement restrictions on all backyard and commercial poultry operations in the area.

“We are working diligently to prevent this virus from spreading to other poultry premises,” Velasco said. “We have activated our avian influenza response plan and are in active communication with our state, federal, and industry partners.”

HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal for domesticated chickens and turkeys. Officials emphasized that avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk, noting that poultry and eggs remain safe to eat when properly handled and cooked. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food supply.

Authorities urge bird owners to strengthen biosecurity measures and limit contact between domestic birds and wild birds. Kentuckians are encouraged to report sick birds or unusual deaths to the USDA’s toll-free hotline at 1-866-536-7593.

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