LANCASTER, Pa. — Pennsylvania farmers are bracing for another round of avian flu cases, as cases have increased across the US.
According to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 23 states have confirmed an avian flu outbreak at a farm in the past 30 days; the disease has also recently been found in both Maryland and Ohio.
James Shirk, the owner of Silver Valley Farm, stated that farmers across Lancaster County are on high alert to protect their flock.
“The devastation of losing not only poultry, but also livelihoods, is very real," said Shirk. “It becomes second nature to be thinking about, ‘Are my feet clean' or 'Have I kept my vehicle clean'.’”
So far, there have not been any confirmed cases of avian flu in Pa.; however, Dr. Gregory Martin, a poultry educator at the Penn State Extension, said migrating birds from neighboring states might be carrying the disease overhead.
He said farmers are being encouraged to follow all biosecurity measures, including cleaning all shoes, clothes and vehicles before entering a barn.
“It’s very similar to what we would see at a hospital, as far as washing your hands before you see your next patient. It’s the same idea," said Dr. Martin.
Additional resources to mitigate the disease are being provided in the Pa. State budget. This year's budget includes $2 million to create avian flu rapid response teams to help respond to outbreaks.
“We have it in other layers of our public safety world and on an issue like this, which can spread rapidly, it’s really important," said Senator Scott Martin (R-Lancaster).
The Pa. Department of Agriculture is also taking preventative measures at this year's Farm Show. A spokesperson with the agency said that no live birds will be at the Farm Show Complex during the event.
Farmers are hopeful the precautions will help protect millions of birds over the winter.
“There’s nothing 100%, but we’re as prepared as we’ve ever been," said Shirk.