Pennsylvania has ended the testing and movement restrictions surrounding farms that earlier this spring were infected with avian influenza.
In an April 19 notice to industry members, the Ag Department said the last control area had been released in Lancaster County.
A control area extends 10 kilometers from an infected site and is surrounded by a 10-kilometer surveillance zone.
Though the control areas have been lifted, a quarantine order for 207 farms in Lancaster and Chester counties that supply live bird markets remains in effect.
The farmers must house their domestic waterfowl, such as ducks, at least 30 feet away from other poultry, and must wear dedicated clothes and shoes when working with each group.
All poultry must be raised indoors if possible and be protected from contact with wild birds.
Anyone in the live bird market supply chain who sees clinical signs suggestive of avian influenza or encounters unpermitted movement from quarantined flocks must report these observations to the state.
Weekly testing for the live market suppliers has been suspended. It could be restarted if the state has concerns that avian influenza is in the affected townships.
New Jersey has lifted its import permit requirements and 72-hour testing for Pennsylvania birds to be transported to Garden State live markets.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Livestock, Poultry