TAYLORSVILLE, Utah – Officials in Utah have been forced to cull over 100,000 chickens and turkeys due to additional outbreaks of avian influenza in the region. The recent cases have been identified in a backyard flock in Salt Lake County and multiple commercial facilities in south-central Utah, with most of the new infections occurring in turkey farms in Piute County.
According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, three turkey farms in Piute County reported cases between Nov. 10 and Tuesday, resulting in the culling of 107,800 turkeys to prevent further spread of the disease. Additionally, avian flu was detected in a backyard chicken flock in Salt Lake County, leading to the slaughter of 253 birds.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza is a serious disease that requires a swift response, including the depopulation of affected flocks, as it is highly contagious and fatal to poultry, officials noted. As a result of the recent outbreaks, five poultry farms in the state are currently under quarantine.
The recent cases add to the avian influenza outbreak that has been impacting farms across northern Utah, including an incident in Cache County last month where approximately 1.8 million chickens had to be culled. The disease also made its way to eight commercial dairy herds in the county.
Since the major outbreak began in 2022, avian flu has affected numerous states, with a recent wave hitting the West. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported new cases in a noncommercial chicken in Hawaii this week, marking the first case in the state since the outbreak began.
The spread of avian flu in domestic poultry is often attributed to contaminated feed, clothing, and equipment, as well as direct contact with wild birds, according to U.S. Geological Survey officials. While the impact on humans is considered low, there have been only 36 documented cases between April and late October, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Despite the rise in cases in Utah over the past few weeks, state agriculture officials believe that the overall impact on the food supply is limited. However, they are urging poultry businesses to adhere to safe practices to help prevent the spread of the flu, including practicing strong biosecurity measures and monitoring flocks for signs of illness. Individuals who work closely with infected animals are also advised to take precautions, such as using recommended personal protective equipment.