Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Crook County Farm's Backyard Flock

On Friday, the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of 70 birds located in Crook County. In response to the confirmed case, all affected birds were humanely euthanized to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. This is the first documented occurrence of HPAI in Crook County, raising serious concerns among local poultry owners and health officials.

The detection of HPAI is particularly significant given the potential implications for both local agriculture and public health. Authorities are likely to initiate surveillance and monitoring measures to assess the situation and prevent future incidents. Residents of Crook County are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any unusual bird deaths or sickness. The USDA emphasizes the importance of biosecurity practices among poultry owners to reduce the risk of disease transmission. This development underscores the need for ongoing vigilance in monitoring avian health in the region.