Pennsylvania has extended its recommendation for poultry to stay indoors, days after announcing the policy would end.
The decision comes as wild birds continue to test positive for avian influenza, including a black vulture discovered earlier this month in poultry-rich Berks County.
State Veterinarian Alex Hamberg announced the decision in a June 28 letter to farmers. On June 22, Hamberg said the indoor recommendation would lapse at the end of the month but could be reinstated if conditions warranted it.
The recommendation will now last at least through the end of the year.
The state began urging farmers to raise poultry indoors in February 2022, when highly pathogenic avian influenza began infecting U.S. farms.
The recommendation is most relevant to organic farms — which would ordinarily provide outdoor access to birds — as well as small and hobby operations.
Pennsylvania last reported avian influenza in domestic poultry on March 17. In addition to the Berks County vulture, infected wild birds were found in June in Virginia and New York.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Poultry