DOVER – Delaware officials are on high alert after preliminary tests revealed the presence of avian influenza-commonly known as bird flu-in a commercial poultry flock in Kent County, .the revelation has prompted a swift quarantine of the affected property adn the planned depopulation of the birds to prevent wider spread.
This is the first confirmed case in a commercial Delaware flock during the 2025-26 waterfowl migratory season,raising concerns for the stateS poultry industry.
- Avian influenza is a highly contagious virus affecting birds.
- The affected flock will not enter the food supply.
- Delaware officials are actively monitoring and testing for the virus.
- Poultry owners should increase vigilance to protect their flocks.
What exactly is avian influenza, and should you be worried? It’s a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads rapidly among birds through secretions and manure. While it primarily impacts poultry like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, some wild bird species-including ducks, geese, and shorebirds-are also susceptible.
Protecting Your Flock: What delaware Poultry Owners Need to Know
The Delaware department of Agriculture, working with the University of Delaware laboratory system, conducts daily surveillance and testing across the state. this includes commercial operations, smaller exhibition flocks, backyard coops, and livestock auctions. The Department urges all poultry owners to practice strict biosecurity measures, including preventing contact between domestic birds and wild birds, limiting visitors, and cleaning and disinfecting equipment. Any bird displaying symptoms-such as sudden death, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, uncoordinated movement, or decreased egg production-should be reported immediately to the Delaware Department of Agriculture at https://agriculture.delaware.gov or call the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at .Provide your contact information, flock size, location, and a detailed description of the concerns. Additional resources are available at https://agriculture.delaware.gov/poultry-animal-health/avian-flu-graphics/.
Residents who encounter sick or deceased wild birds are urged to report their findings through the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s sick and injured wildlife reporting form.
Understanding Avian Influenza Viruses
Avian influenza is caused by an influenza type A virus. These viruses are categorized by their hemagglutinin (“H”) and neuraminidase (“N”) proteins-there are 16 H subtypes and 9 N subtypes, leading to numerous possible combinations. Each combination is considered a unique subtype, further divided into strains circulating within specific geographic regions. Viruses are also classified by their pathogenicity, or ability to cause disease in poultry.
Officials emphasize that poultry and poultry products remain safe for consumption when properly handled and cooked. These response measures are standard practice, designed to protect animal health, the poultry industry, and public health. The Division of Public Health (DPH) advises keeping children, immunocompromised individuals, those with chronic health conditions, and pets away from wild birds and their droppings.
