Delaware Reports Presumptive Avian Influenza Case in Kent County Backyard Flock
- 39th District Republicans
- Nov 11, 2025
- 2 min read
The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) has confirmed a presumptive positive case of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Kent County. The announcement, made Friday, November 7, 2025, marks the first detection of avian influenza in Delaware during the 2025–26 waterfowl migratory season.
State agricultural officials have immediately quarantined the affected property, where a mixed-species flock had experienced an unusually high death rate. To contain the virus and prevent further spread, the remaining birds on the premises are being depopulated.
What Is Avian Influenza?
Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads rapidly among domestic poultry and certain wild bird species. Transmission occurs through:
Nasal and eye secretions
Manure
Contaminated equipment
Shoes, clothing, and hands of caretakers
The virus affects chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, and various wild waterfowl and shorebirds that can carry the virus during migration.
AI viruses are categorized by hemagglutinin (H1–H16) and neuraminidase (N1–N9) proteins, creating numerous subtypes. They are further classified by pathogenicity—low or high—indicating how severe the disease is in domestic poultry.
Ongoing Surveillance in Delaware
Delaware’s poultry industry is one of the most important in the nation, and the state practices year-round surveillance to protect both commercial and backyard flocks. With support from the University of Delaware’s diagnostic laboratories, testing is conducted daily on:
Commercial poultry operations
Backyard flocks
Exhibition birds
Livestock and poultry auctions
The detection highlights the effectiveness of the surveillance system but also underscores the need for increased biosecurity during waterfowl migration, when risks are highest.
What Delaware Poultry Owners Should Do Now
The DDA urges all poultry owners—backyard and commercial—to take immediate precautions to protect their birds. Key steps include:
Keep your flock away from areas frequented by wild birds.
Disinfect equipment, vehicles, footwear, and tools before entering poultry areas.
Isolate any bird showing signs of illness and contact a veterinarian.
Only allow essential personnel onto your farm or property.
Avoid visiting other poultry operations.
Track movement of people, vehicles, and animals on or off your property.
These measures significantly reduce the risk of spreading HPAI from flock to flock.
Reporting Illness in Backyard Flocks
Backyard flock owners who notice unusual symptoms—such as sudden death, decreased eating, lethargy, or respiratory distress—should immediately contact:
📞 Delaware Poultry Health Hotline: 302-698-4507
Provide your name, flock size, location, and concerns so officials can respond quickly.
More resources and prevention graphics are available at:
A Reminder for Waterfowl Hunters
All Delaware residents—especially hunters—are urged not to handle sick or dead wild birds. Hunters should follow recommended biosecurity practices when handling waterfowl or cleaning equipment.Guidelines from the USDA can be found here:
Poultry Registration Requirement
Delaware requires all locations that house live poultry—backyard or commercial—to be registered. This system ensures rapid communication during disease events.
Registration is free and available online:👉 https://de.gov/poultry
Protecting Delaware’s Poultry Community
Delaware’s first presumptive case of HPAI this season is a serious reminder that avian influenza remains an ongoing threat to backyard flocks, commercial growers, and wildlife. Prompt reporting, strong biosecurity, and statewide cooperation are essential to keeping Delaware’s poultry industry safe.
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