Ocean State Today

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced the detection of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in a noncommercial farm flock located in southern Washington County. DEM's Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment’s Animal Health Unit euthanized approximately 40 birds to prevent further spread and minimize suffering. This marks the second instance of H5N1 in Rhode Island, following a previous case in a backyard flock in 2022.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk from H5N1 remains low, with no person-to-person transmission detected in the United States. Rhode Island has not reported any human cases.

Rhode Island lies on the Atlantic flyway, a significant migratory bird route where H5N1 is expected due to its prevalence among wild waterfowl and shorebirds. The virus has also been found in various mammals, including foxes, bears, seals, cats, dogs, goats, and dairy cows.

State Veterinarian Scott Marshall emphasized that "DEM’s proactive response plan to H5N1 bird detections includes responding quickly to reports of sick or dying domestic birds." He highlighted biosecurity practices as essential for maintaining healthy domestic birds.

Director of Health Jerry Larkin stated that "while the public health risk of H5N1 remains low," coordination between RIDOH and DEM has been ongoing. Basic prevention measures include avoiding contact with sick or dead animals.

The food supply is considered safe due to robust surveillance programs preventing infected poultry products from entering the food chain. Rhode Island participates in federal surveillance programs for milk supplies and dairy herds; no positive samples have been found.

To prevent avian influenza in humans, people should avoid exposure to infected animals. Those working with birds or livestock are advised to use personal protective equipment. Avian influenza viruses respond to standard antiviral drugs.

The University of Connecticut lab affiliated with the National Veterinary Services Lab confirmed the positive detection through laboratory testing. Since its emergence in 2022, H5N1 has been identified across all states. In Rhode Island, it was first detected in a backyard flock in 2022 and later confirmed in a fox kit in 2023.

Infected domestic birds are depopulated within 24 hours once an H5N1 diagnosis is confirmed due to high mortality rates exceeding 90 percent among domestic poultry. DEM follows CDC and USDA guidance while monitoring the situation closely.

DEM continues outreach efforts emphasizing biosecurity measures among commercial and domestic bird owners statewide. These include proper disposal of dead birds, avoiding shared equipment among producers or farmers, recognizing disease warning signs, and reporting unusual bird deaths.

For more information on DEM programs and updates on avian flu developments, visit their website or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem).