445 birds euthanized due to bird flu outbreak at Rhode Island market
WJAR • • health
Key Points:
- The Rhode Island Department of Health and Department of Environmental Management euthanized 445 asymptomatic birds at Antonelli Poultry in Providence after avian flu was detected during routine testing.
- Antonelli Poultry must remain closed until five days after the birds are disposed of and the facility is fully cleaned and sanitized.
- Staff at Antonelli Poultry are being monitored for 10 days for avian influenza symptoms due to potential exposure.
- RIDOH advises the public to follow strict hygiene and food safety practices, including washing hands and utensils, separating raw poultry from other foods, and cooking food to proper temperatures.
- Additional precautions include avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, contaminated surfaces, and unpasteurized milk, and using personal protective equipment when handling potentially infected animals.