Gov. Shapiro, Pennsylvania Officials Look To Curb Harshest Bird Flu Outbreak In Decades

Pennsylvania is in the midst of its worst outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in decades, dealing a major blow to the commonwealth’s $7.1 billion poultry industry.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 7.48 million birds have been affected in Pennsylvania as of Feb. 20. The vast majority of confirmed cases are in Lancaster County.

That statewide number puts Pennsylvania at the highest rate of impacted birds, accounting for more than half of confirmed cases nationwide.

There is no treatment for avian influenza. According to the USDA, exposed birds should be euthanized to prevent other flocks from potential infection.

Shapiro’s office announced last week that 42 USDA employees would be coming to Pennsylvania to reinforce the more than 50 state employees working to combat the virus’ spread.

“This is a whole government approach,” Shapiro told the gathering of officials.

Shapiro said he had been working in close coordination with federal agencies, including USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, on efforts to combat the virus. He specified a few requests that he had for Rollins, including increased access to the department’s staff and veterinarians.