Bird Flu Strikes Darke County: Millions of Chickens Affected

In Darke County, a significant outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected among nearly one million commercial chickens. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) confirmed this on December 27, following tests conducted by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. State veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers explained that this type of flu can easily infect domestic poultry, especially chickens and turkeys. As migratory birds travel, they carry the virus in their droppings. Other birds that come into contact with these droppings can get sick.

To prevent the spread of the disease, it's crucial for bird owners to take precautions. Summers advises limiting contact with other farms and ensuring that hands, boots, and equipment are clean. He specifically mentioned that feet can easily transfer the virus from one place to another. The exact location of the affected chickens in the county wasn't initially disclosed. However, the ODA reports that over 931, 000 chickens have been depopulated, which means they were killed to stop the disease from spreading further. This is a standard procedure for the ODA during bird flu outbreaks.

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