LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — State leaders gathered Tuesday at the Rapid Response Center in Lancaster County to address growing concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as “bird flu.”
The center sits in the heart of Pennsylvania’s $7 billion poultry industry.
Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the stress farmers are facing as cases continue to surge across the state.
“We’re gonna get through this. We’re gonna get through this. This is not good. This is obviously a scary time. I know this is a time of great worry and anxiety. I get it,” Shapiro said.
Since the start of the year, Pennsylvania has lost millions of birds to the virus.
The Shapiro Administration says it is expanding testing capacity, deploying additional personnel and coordinating with federal partners to contain the spread.
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said biosecurity measures are critical right now.
“The level of biosecurity and who has it and then, not just the plan, but who’s using it every day,” Redding said.
While there are no recent cases reported in Berks County, neighboring Lancaster, Lehigh and Northampton counties have been impacted.
Berks County lawmakers say the issue still matters locally.
“What we’re talking about here matters for the county that I represent. It’s something that is of great concern to me,” said Sen. Judy Schwank (D – 11th District.)
Sen. Scott Martin (R -13th District) said bipartisan coordination will be key moving forward.
“I believe that bipartisan effort of working together can lead to not only have a better response, but how to prepare for the future and prepare better,” Martin said.
State officials say poultry products remain safe to consume but are urging farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures as the surge continues.