Utah agriculture officials report second case of avian flu in Sanpete County

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — Utah officials have reported a second case of avian influenza (bird flu) on a turkey farm in Sanpete County.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) said they are working with the federal government to contain further spread.

“Our staff along with officials with the United States Department of Agriculture are onsite working to contain further spread of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza),” said state veterinarian, Dr. Dean Taylor.

“We will continue to monitor to try to stop further impacts on our food supply.”

Farmers depopulate any turkey that tests positive for avian flu. That’s accordingly to the Public Information Officer for the UDAF, Bailee Woolstenhulme. She said there is very little risk that an exposed turkey may have entered the market for human consumption.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one person in the United States has contracted avian influenza this year. Only four human infections have ever been reported in the United States, the CDC said.

The UDAF is working with the farm owners to help increase safety measures.

Officials ask domestic bird owners in Sanpete County to closely inspect their flocks for avian flu, and to consistently check for the disease.

A biosecurity toolkit can be found here.

Related reading:

• Two Utah foxes test positive for bird flu in Utah
• Second case of avian influenza (bird flu) confirmed in Salt Lake County
• Avian flu in Utah causes worry in pet owners

 

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