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Poultry events stopped in TN after HPAI detected in a backyard flock

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has halted any events where poultry can comingle following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza.  The virus was detected in a backyard flock in western Tennessee. 

Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher says the decision to halt exhibitions and sales of poultry didn’t come easy, but the poultry industry is an integral part of the state’s economy and this is an effort to protect all domesticated poultry in the state.

The affected farm is under quarantine and the flock is being depopulated.  Animal health officials have established a 12.4-mile surveillance zone surrounding the site where other flocks will be tested and monitored for illness and poultry movement is restricted.  The zone also includes a portion of Kentucky and the Tennessee Department of Ag and the Kentucky Department of Ag are working together to coordinate a response.  In Tennessee, more than 600 family farms contribute to the commercial poultry industry. The state is a global leader for primary breeders, and an estimated 45 percent of the chicken consumed worldwide traces to genetics from Tennessee operations. Broiler chickens are among the state’s top agricultural commodities, generating $376.2 million in cash receipts in 2021.

HPAI does not pose a food safety risk, however, no infected poultry will be allowed to enter the food supply.

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