Bird flu detected at Providence poultry business

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A case of bird flu has led to the euthanasia of more than 445 birds after the H5N1 virus was detected at Antonelli Poultry in Providence.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said the virus was identified during quarterly U.S. Department of Agriculture testing. State Veterinarian Dr. Scott Marshall said every batch of samples submitted from the business tested positive for H5N1.

As a result, all 445 chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl at the facility were euthanized Saturday. Marshall said the birds were humanely euthanized using cervical dislocation before being disposed of on Monday.

Officials have not determined exactly how the virus reached the farm. However, Antonelli Poultry receives birds from out-of-state suppliers, and investigators believe the virus originated outside Rhode Island.

Experts say H5N1 continues to spread among wild migratory birds, which can transmit the virus to domestic poultry flocks.

The Rhode Island Department of Health said the risk to the general public remains low. As a precaution, employees at the poultry business are being monitored for 10 days.

Health officials said all workers are currently in good health. If someone were to become infected, antiviral medications are available to treat the illness.