WASHINGTON – New reports from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in five states.

The agency confirmed HPAI was present in a non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flock (non-poultry) in Berkshire County, Mass., and Johnson County, Wyo. A commercial poultry flock in Johnston County, NC, also tested positive for HPAI. Finally, a backyard chicken flock (non-poultry) in Franklin County, Ohio, and a non-commercial, backyard chicken flock (poultry) in Kidder County, ND, also tested positive.

Samples from all the flocks were first tested at state laboratories that are part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The cases were confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS said it is working with state animal health officials in all five states on joint incident response. 

“State officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease,” the agency said. “Birds from the flocks will not enter the food system.”

APHIS asked that anyone involved with poultry production, from small backyard to large commercial producers, review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds.