A backyard poultry flock in Stark County has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the presence of the virus on Feb. 18. Five birds from the affected flock were killed to prevent further spread. Due to privacy policies, officials did not disclose the exact location of the outbreak.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral disease that primarily affects domestic and wild birds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, human infections are rare, and the current public health risk remains low. Earlier this month, a human case of the bird flu was reported in Mercer County.
The virus continues to circulate widely among wild bird populations across the globe, increasing the risk of transmission to domestic flocks. Officials urge poultry owners to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their birds from potential exposure.
