OHIO — More than 931,000 chickens in Darke County tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, the National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • The facility or facilities weren't identified because it's an ongoing case, officials said

  • Any products from bird flu-affected flocks are prohibited from entering the food system

  • The risk to the public is low, the CDC reported

Since it's an ongoing case, the Ohio Department of Agriculture didn't identify which farm or farms the chickens belonged to. 

Agriculture officials explained that once bird flu is detected in a flock, the facility is quarantined and then the birds are depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Officials then set up a control area and surveillance zone to monitor facilities nearby and to ensure USDA guidelines are followed. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the risk to the general public is low. HPAI can't be transmitted through properly cooked meats or eggs, and any products from bird flocks affected by the disease are prohibited from entering the food system, officials said. 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture reminds the public that as a general food safety precaution, all poultry and eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Current cases of the bird flu can be tracked throughout Ohio and the country using the WHISPers system, which can be found here.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, flocks may exhibit the following symptoms if affected by HPAI:

  • Decreased egg production
  • Sudden death without clinical signs
  • Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks
  • Nasal discharge
  • Lack of coordination

Ohioans can report sick or dead birds to the ODNR by calling 800-945-3543 or by going to ODNR's website.

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