Bird Flu Detected In New London County Backyard Flock, Officials Say

NEW LONDON COUNTY, CT — Cases of bird flu were confirmed in a New London County backyard flock Wednesday, according to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The department said that no human cases have been detected in Connecticut and that the risk for humans remains low.

The backyard flock, consisting of chickens, ducks, and peacocks, were family pets, not commercial poultry, and had close contact with wild waterfowl in a nearby pond. The department didn't specify where exactly the flock was located.

The state Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory conducted testing on samples, and those results were confirmed by a national laboratory.

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among domestic poultry. There is no effective treatment or approved vaccine for the virus in poultry. The infected flock has been depopulated to prevent spread of the disease, the department said.

The virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, along with some wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

“Collaboration between state and federal partners is essential in preventing the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry and safeguarding the health of our farmworkers,” Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said in a statement. “Through a united approach we are able to swiftly identify and respond to protect our food supply and ensure the health of our communities.”

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 department is recommending all poultry owners and producers to use biosecurity protocols to protect their flocks against the virus.

These protocols include keeping wild birds and rodents out of poultry houses, washing hands and boots before entering the poultry area, and restricting traffic on your property.

The department said that the risk of bird flu spreading to the general public remains low. No detections of the virus have occurred to date in people, livestock, or other domestic animals in Connecticut.

Surveillance for cases in humans and animals is ongoing throughout the state.

More information on bird flu is available from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.