Avian Flu Poses Widespread Threat To Rhode Island Poultry

PROVIDENCE, RI — Contagious bird flu is expected to arrive in Rhode Island in the coming week, the Department of Environmental Management warned bird owners Friday. There is no immediate danger to the public, the department said, since no human cases have been reported so far.

The virus could lead to widespread death among infected birds for both commercial poultry farmers and backyard chicken keepers, the DEM said. The virus was first detected in South Carolina in January and has since spread to 12 other states, including Connecticut and Massachusetts. Rhode Island is at risk, since the virus has been found in wild birds shut by hunters along the Atlantic flyway, a migration route that includes the state.

Birds from infected flocks are kept out of the food system, the DEM said, and properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to 165 degrees kills bacteria and viruses.

Avian influenza, also known as avian or bird flu, is usually carried by wild waterfowl and other water birds, the DEM said. It can sometimes spread to domestic poultry, such as chickens. Both human and avian flu are caused by the influenza virus, but rarely infect both. It is possible for humans to get sick if they come in contact with an infected bird. There is only a concern about a public health threat if there is person-to-person spread, the department said.

The disease has a close to 100 percent mortality rate among infected birds. The DEM urged owners to euthanize infected birds to prevent widespread infection, which could wipe out all poultry across the state.

"This strain of avian flu is deadly to chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail, and other birds," Scott Marshall, a state veterinarian and the head of the response effort. "It could cause significant economic harm to Rhode Island poultry producers. For now, while DEM continues to monitor flocks for infection, we urge all poultry owners to take precautions to protect their flocks by enhancing biosecurity."

Poultry producers must have their birds tested by the DEM to be eligible for economic relief.