Avian influenza hits Lamoille County backyard flock

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - A small outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Lamoille County, according to Vermont agriculture officials.

State officials Thursday said a test confirmed a backyard flock of more than 50 birds was infected with avian influenza. Many of the birds died over the weekend of December 3rd and 4th. Federal and state officials euthanized the remaining flock Thursday to prevent the spread of disease.

Vt. Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts says though it was a small flock, this serves as a good reminder. “We have been pretty lucky here in Vermont, but again, it’s another warning that it is still with us. This is our second one in Vermont but it has been contained to small backyard flocks and hopefully, this is the last one,” he said.

The risk to human health is low but officials are monitoring people who were exposed.

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