DAYTON — Avian Influenza, or the bird flu, is still spreading across parts of the United States.
Now, Dayton city leaders are urging poultry farmers to keep up with safety precautions for their flocks.
Since cases first started showing up at the beginning of this year, the virus has affected nearly 40 million domestic birds and has infected 34 states across the country, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein wrote a statement to News Center 7 that said even though the city prohibits residents from owning backyard chickens, you should be careful handling all birds, especially sick or dead ones.
Maleah Allen, owner of D&M Farm Kennel said she has been keeping tabs on her birds for symptoms of the flu because she doesn’t want to lose her flock.
Allen said once it starts infecting birds, it will usually reach the entire flock.
While rare, there is a chance for the virus to infect people as well.
So far across the entire U.S., one person has been infected with Bird Flu, according to the CDC.
The person was infected after having to kill an infected flock.
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They reported symptoms of fatigue and are now recovered but are in isolation while they receive treatment.
To prevent anyone else from catching the virus the CDC recommends wearing protective gear if handling sick or dead poultry.
They also recommend cooking your chicken all the way to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Allen said while she is taking safety measures for her birds, she is more scared of getting infected with another virus.
“I’d be more nervous about COVID. I had COVID so I know how sick that can make you I can’t imagine bird flu being any worse,” Allen said.
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