Second avian flu case confirmed in Utah
Apr 26, 2022, 12:07 PM
Chickens wander in the backyard of Curt Cutler in Woods Cross. Photo credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food confirmed the second case of avian flu in the state on Saturday. The affected birds are from a Cache County farm.
UDAF said the owner of the farm noticed his birds experiencing symptoms. The farmer contacted UDAF as soon as he noticed the issue.
The department said the farm had been following strict biosecurity protocols.
“The diagnosis of HPAI on this farm is devastating,” said Utah State Veterinarian, Dr. Dean Taylor. “UDAF is working to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading further in this area.”
UDAF said it would conduct more testing and surveillance in the area to help prevent the spread of the flu. It added that it is working with federal, state, and local partners to respond to the situation.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly referred to as avian flu or HPAI, was first found in Utah in mid-April. UDAF confirmed the diagnosis of a small flock in Utah County on April 15.
UDAF urged Utah bird owners to continue to check their birds for symptoms and to practice biosecurity measures.
Avian flu symptoms include nasal discharge, decreased appetite or water consumption, and lack of coordination, according to UDAF. The flu also causes a high death rate in flocks.
Bird owners whose birds are experiencing symptoms are advised to contact the state veterinarian at statevet@utah.gov.
A resource for those wanting to protect their flock is available here.
The CDC currently considers the risk of avian flu to humans to be low, and no human cases have been detected.
Related: Avian flu in Utah causes worry in pet owners
