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TAYLORSVILLE — The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food says it has confirmed six new cases of avian influenza on turkey farms in Sanpete County and one backyard flock in Cache County.
Sixteen turkey farms and two backyard flocks have now been infected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza this fall.
The agriculture department says it is still monitoring the outbreaks on the affected farms, and said all birds on the farms have been quarantined or depopulated, but warned bird owners to prepare for a continued increase in cases.
"All domestic bird owners, including backyard chicken flocks, ducks, geese, turkeys, gamebirds, etc., should strengthen their biosecurity practices," said a press release by the department. "If possible, birds should be kept locked inside enclosures to avoid contact with migratory birds. Flocks should not have shared water, feed or grazing sources with wild bird habitats."
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been spreading across the country since earlier this year. According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, waterfowl are considered to be a major source of infection and spread. The disease is highly contagious and fatal to poultry.
One person in Colorado has been infected with avian flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though the agency says the disease does not present an immediate public health concern.
