Bird Flu Cases Surface In Pittsburgh Area, USDA Says

BUTLER COUNTY, PA — Butler County reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza last week. The bird flu was detected in a backyard flock of 610 birds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The specific location of the flock and type of birds impacted was not disclosed. The USDA classified the farm where the outbreak occurred as World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) non-poultry, which means any birds there are not used for commercial purposes.

Avian influenza is a common viral disease of birds that can infect humans and other mammals. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the viruses are classified as having low
pathogenicity or high pathogenicity based on the severity of the illness they cause in poultry and most are not considered a public health threat. The virus is shed through all excretions, such as saliva and feces, and is highly contagious among birds.

According to the USDA avian influenza dashboard, bird flu has affected more than 2.2 million birds in Pennsylvania this month in Philadelphia, Luzerne, Lancaster, Cumberland, Lebanon, Adams and Dauphin counties.