Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the avian flu crisis in Pennsylvania, where nearly 8 million birds have been impacted, during a roundtable at the Recovery Center in Lancaster County.”This virus doesn’t care,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, highlighting how quickly avian flu is spreading. Governor Shapiro described the situation as “a time of crisis,” noting that Pennsylvania accounts for more than half of all avian flu cases in the United States, placing the state at the epicenter of the outbreak.Farmers contributing to Pennsylvania’s $7.1 million poultry industry were given the opportunity to voice their concerns. Scott Sechler from Bell & Evans shared a picture from 1983, noting that the situation looks the same today. Kevin Lutz from Green Dragon Market expressed concern about the lack of awareness among smaller farms regarding the presence of avian flu in the county.The majority of cases in Pennsylvania are concentrated in Lancaster County, which is why the state has established its only rapid response center there. Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of rapid response, stating that it begins inside the facility with the distribution of equipment to farms across the Commonwealth.Talks of biosecurity, testing, and vaccinations are ongoing, but the impact on egg prices remains a concern for consumers. Mark Sauder from Sauder’s Eggs reassured that the U.S. egg industry currently has plenty of supply for the pending market, and no major price spikes are expected as long as the outbreak remains contained to Pennsylvania.Governor Shapiro reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting farmers, saying, “We are going to work our way through this and we’re going to get through it together. And, and I just need you to know that we’ve got your back.”While the possibility of a vaccine is on the horizon, it is not an immediate solution and could take months to develop a pilot program. Discussions also included proper identification practices for bird ownership to better track the spread of the virus.Overall, Governor Shapiro stated that all opinions are being considered, and the response center is being utilized to reach affected farms as quickly as possible.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. —
Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the avian flu crisis in Pennsylvania, where nearly 8 million birds have been impacted, during a roundtable at the Recovery Center in Lancaster County.
“This virus doesn’t care,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, highlighting how quickly avian flu is spreading. Governor Shapiro described the situation as “a time of crisis,” noting that Pennsylvania accounts for more than half of all avian flu cases in the United States, placing the state at the epicenter of the outbreak.
Farmers contributing to Pennsylvania’s $7.1 million poultry industry were given the opportunity to voice their concerns. Scott Sechler from Bell & Evans shared a picture from 1983, noting that the situation looks the same today. Kevin Lutz from Green Dragon Market expressed concern about the lack of awareness among smaller farms regarding the presence of avian flu in the county.
The majority of cases in Pennsylvania are concentrated in Lancaster County, which is why the state has established its only rapid response center there. Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of rapid response, stating that it begins inside the facility with the distribution of equipment to farms across the Commonwealth.
Talks of biosecurity, testing, and vaccinations are ongoing, but the impact on egg prices remains a concern for consumers. Mark Sauder from Sauder’s Eggs reassured that the U.S. egg industry currently has plenty of supply for the pending market, and no major price spikes are expected as long as the outbreak remains contained to Pennsylvania.
Governor Shapiro reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting farmers, saying, “We are going to work our way through this and we’re going to get through it together. And, and I just need you to know that we’ve got your back.”
While the possibility of a vaccine is on the horizon, it is not an immediate solution and could take months to develop a pilot program. Discussions also included proper identification practices for bird ownership to better track the spread of the virus.
Overall, Governor Shapiro stated that all opinions are being considered, and the response center is being utilized to reach affected farms as quickly as possible.