Preliminary Tests Show Bird Flu In Guilford Backyard Flock: Officials

GUILFORD, CT — Avian influenza H5N1, more commonly referred to as bird flu, has been detected in a backyard flock in Guilford, according to officials.

In a news release Tuesday, the town of Guilford stressed that tests are preliminary and not yet confirmed.

"The local health department is working closely with the residents and state and local partners through this process," the town said.

State officials quarantined the affected premises and birds on the property have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease, a news release from the CT Department of Public Health said.

"Confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending with final results anticipated in the coming days," officials added.

According to a report from WTNH, the owner of the flock said his birds became infected because his ducks were near wild ducks on a river next to his home in Guilford.

The owner's flock included chickens, Guinea Hens and ducks.

This marks the second detection of bird flu in domestic birds in CT this year and the first in New Haven County in 2025. Last week, state officials announced a confirmed detection in a backyard flock in New London County.

Bird flu is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that can spread from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers, health officials said.

The disease affects domestic poultry, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, along with wild migratory waterfowl. There is currently no effective treatment or approved vaccine for the virus in poultry.

"We continue to work with local, state, and federal partners as we respond to reports of sick domestic birds to protect both animal and human health," said CT Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt in a news release. "It’s important that all flock owners take the proper steps to protect their birds, remain vigilant in monitoring their flock for sudden changes, and report suspected cases promptly."

The CT Department of Public Health said human risk remains low, and no person-to-person spread of H5N1 has been detected to date in the state.

Residents are reminded that the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills bacteria and viruses.

"While we have no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this time, we need to remain vigilant," said DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani in a news release. "If you see a bird that appears to be ill, you need to stay away. While the risk of infection to humans is low, having direct contact with a sick bird can result in people becoming infected with H5N1.”

Signs of infection among birds include sudden increase in bird deaths, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery or green diarrhea, lack of energy, poor appetite, drop in egg production, swelling around the eyes, neck, and head, and purple discoloration of wattles, combs, and legs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there have been 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu since 2024 across California, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

Earlier this month, Louisiana reported the first bird flu-related human death - a person over the age of 65 who had underlying medical conditions.

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