Avian flu concerns prompt Lancaster meeting
Photo by AP Photo/Andy Manis
Workers in protective clothing work at the Daybreak Foods Inc. hen farm in Jefferson County near Lake Mills, Wis., Friday, April 24, 2015. There are two avian flu outbreaks in Jefferson county. The virus is lethal to birds, but is not expected to be a risk to people or the food supply.
(Harrisburg) — State lawmakers from Lancaster County are trying to figure out how to minimize any potential damage from the avian flu.
They recently met with state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding to discuss ways to limit the spread of the disease, which has already affected at least 21 states.
Republican Representative Bryan Cutler says Lancaster has more egg-laying hens than any other county in the U-S, so it has the most to lose.
If a bird is infected, every chicken within three kilometers must be killed as a precautionary measure.
Redding says farmers must already be thinking about the logisitics of such a devestating decision, including where to bury the dead birds.
Avian flu presents no known risk for humans.
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