KENTUCKY — Federal and state officials have confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Jessamine County.
Kentucky State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Velasco III said the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed HPAI in samples from the premises.
“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Office of State Veterinarian is working closely with federal and state partners to contain this incident,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Protecting the health of livestock and poultry in the Commonwealth is a top priority.”
HPAI is highly lethal to domesticated chickens and turkeys. On Dec. 6, representatives from the Jessamine County premises reported increased mortality in their flock. Testing at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the USDA confirmed the presence of the virus.
Following confirmation, the KDA/OSV Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response quarantined the flock, and depopulation began on Dec. 11. A 10-kilometer surveillance zone has been established, with movement restrictions on all backyard and commercial poultry facilities in the area to prevent further spread. Premises with birds showing clinical signs of HPAI will be tested.
“We are working diligently to prevent this virus from spreading to other poultry premises,” Dr. Velasco said. “We have activated our avian influenza response plan and are in active communication with state, federal, and industry partners.”
Officials said avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk. Poultry and eggs remain safe to eat when properly handled and cooked, though birds from affected flocks will not enter the food system.
Bird owners, from small backyard flocks to large commercial operations, are encouraged to review biosecurity measures and prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual bird deaths should be reported to state and federal authorities via the USDA toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional biosecurity guidance is available at healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
Kentucky’s poultry industry ranks eighth in the nation for broiler production and 15th in poultry and egg sales, generating more than $1.7 billion annually.
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