Kentucky State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Stout has lifted avian influenza surveillance zones in Christian County following negative test results.
Results from two commercial and backyard poultry farms in Christian County have come back negative for low-pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza.
Quarantines remain in place until cleaning and disinfection procedures are complete. The area went into a heightened biosecurity surveillance after 22,000 hens and 2,700 backyard birds tested positive for the virus last month. The infected birds showed no symptoms and were found in a routine screening. They were depopulated and buried.
According to the CDC, avian flu doesn’t typically infect humans, however the low pathogenic strain could cause mild to moderate illness. The high pathogenic strain can cause disease and as a high mortality rate.
No affected animals entered the food supply.
