Avian Flu Confirmed At Providence Live Poultry Market: State

PROVIDENCE, RI — Avian flu was confirmed at a live poultry market in Providence, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management revealed.

The infected birds, which included live chickens and ducks, were identified at Antonelli Poultry during routine quarterly testing by the US Department of Agriculture, the department said in a media release.

The birds came from an out-of-state dealer, according to the release.

On Saturday, the department reported the "State Veterinarian oversaw the USDA-required humane euthanasia of about 445 asymptomatic birds at the market to prevent the spread of the disease to other birds."

"Per USDA regulations, Antonelli Poultry will be closed until 5 days after they have disposed of infected birds and have cleaned and sanitized all areas of the business," the release said.

Antonelli Poultry was "closely cooperating" with both the department of environmental management and the Rhode Island Department of Health, according to the release.

"Because staff at Antonelli Poultry may have been exposed to avian influenza, and out of an abundance of caution, RIDOH is monitoring all staff for 10 days for symptoms of avian influenza," although the risk of humans contracting the virus is low, the release said.

Avian flu is "widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with sporadic human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The possibility of human infections with avian influenza virus that result in severe illness remains and underscores the importance of ongoing prevention and surveillance efforts," the CDC said.

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