Over the past two days, two announcements have highlighted the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) in Pennsylvania, including local cases.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has confirmed HPAI in a commercial poultry farm in Lehigh County, involving a flock of 50,000 layer chickens. State and federal investigators are implementing a comprehensive response plan to prevent further spread of the virus. The affected farm and all commercial poultry facilities within a 10-kilometer radius have been quarantined, with movement of poultry products restricted in the area.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has confirmed that dead geese found at Quarry Pond on the Gettysburg College campus tested positive for HPAI. Efforts are underway to remove the carcasses as weather conditions allow. Students and residents are advised to avoid the area around Quarry Pond.
HPAI is highly contagious and generally fatal to domestic birds. While the current public health risk is very low and no human cases have been reported in Pennsylvania, residents are urged to exercise caution. Properly cooked poultry products and eggs remain safe for consumption.
Anyone encountering a sick or dead wild bird is encouraged to report it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453). If you have had contact with sick or dead birds and are feeling unwell, please contact your primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.
Too bad. What a pitty.
10-kilometer? Can’t you just say 6 miles?