Columbus Dispatch: Bird Flu Outbreak Declared in Delaware CountyColumbus Dispatch: Bird Flu Outbreak Declared in Delaware County Delaware County, Ohio has been hit by an outbreak of avian influenza, prompting the Ohio Department of Agriculture to declare an emergency. The outbreak was confirmed at a commercial turkey farm in the county. Approximately 63,000 turkeys at the farm will be humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the virus. Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect both domestic and wild birds. The virus is spread through contact with infected birds, their bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. To contain the outbreak, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has established a quarantine zone around the affected farm. All poultry within the zone will be monitored closely, and movement of birds and poultry products will be restricted. Poultry producers and backyard bird owners in the area are advised to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes: * Isolating poultry from wild birds * Practicing good biosecurity measures, such as washing hands and disinfecting equipment * Reporting any unusual illness or mortality in birds The Ohio Department of Agriculture is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to investigate the outbreak and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the risk to public health is low. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products are safe to consume. Consumers can protect themselves by following food safety guidelines: * Cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit * Do not cross-contaminate cooked poultry with raw meat * Wash hands thoroughly after handling poultry The Ohio Department of Agriculture is urging poultry producers and backyard bird owners to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of avian influenza immediately. Early detection and response are crucial to mitigating the impact of the outbreak.