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Suspected case of bird flu discovered at Delaware poultry farm after possible outbreak reported in wild birds

Delaware next reports the first case of bird flu on a commercial poultry farm dozens of suspected positive cases in wild birds.

Tests from a flock at a Kent County farm were presumptive positive for H5N1, the bird flu that has emerged in the U.S. and in some cases has spread to people with exposure to infected animals.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced the test results in a news release Friday.

“State officials have quarantined the affected buildings and the birds on the property are being depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system,” the release said.

The contagious airborne virus can affect poultry such as chickens, ducks and turkeys, and wild birds such as ducks, geese and birds of prey.

Last week probably Positive test results for bird flu were returned from a flock of snow geese at Prime Hook Beach in Sussex County.

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The department said more than 850 wild birds have been reported dead through a web form from the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

“While some of these may be duplicate reports, or deaths from other causes, officials know that more birds have succumbed to the virus and died in places out of sight.”

Bird flu can spread through contact with infected birds, equipment and on clothing and shoes.

Poultry farmers are being urged to limit traffic on and off the farm and monitor the comings and goings of the farm. The farm must only allow essential workers on site to limit the chance of the virus being transmitted from outside.

The farms must also keep flocks away from migratory birds – and if birds become sick, they must be isolated from the rest of the flock.

The DDNR says anyone who finds a sick or dead wild bird should report it to the state by phone at 1-302-739-9912 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or through this online form after hours and in the weekend.

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