Ohio Leads Nation in Bird Flu Cases Among Commercial Poultry Operations

Ohio has reported the highest number of recent bird flu cases among commercial poultry operations, with over 4.1 million chickens and turkeys affected this year. The majority of cases have occurred in Darke and Mercer counties, impacting large-scale poultry facilities.

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the disease has led to the depopulation of infected flocks to prevent further spread. Experts believe wild birds contribute significantly to transmission. While the risk to the public is low, officials recommend cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F as a precaution.

Ohio, the second-largest egg-producing state in the U.S., is working to manage the outbreak through biosecurity measures and regulatory oversight. Affected producers may receive USDA compensation based on flock size and other factors.

Source: Dayton Daily News