Presumptive Positive Case of Bird Flu Found in Kent Co. Poultry Flock
DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced on Friday that a presumptive positive for H5 HPAI, better known as avian influenza or “the bird flu,” has been found in a Kent County backyard poultry flock.
State officials say they have quarantined and are monitoring the affected premises, where a mixed species poultry flock has experienced a high death rate. The remaining poultry will be killed to prevent disease spread.
HPAI is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds, and can subsequently infect all types of poultry. Commercial and backyard flock owners are urged to adhere to the following guidelines to maintain a sanitary, bio-secure premise.
This is the first Delaware detection of avian influenza during the 2025-2026 waterfowl migratory season. Cases of avian influenza were last found in Maryland in mid-September.
The Delaware Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the University of Delaware laboratory system, performs active surveillance and testing of birds for avian influenza within the state every day. Surveillance is conducted at commercial poultry operations, exhibition, backyard flocks, and at livestock and poultry auctions.
Outside access to flocks should be restricted and holding areas secured. Upon entering any coops or pens, individuals should disinfect their feet and shoes, or wear foot covers. These steps ensure that contaminated materials on the ground are not transported into the poultry growing house or area. Farmers are also instructed to cover and secure feed to prevent wild birds, rodents, and/or other animals from accessing it. Additionally, make sure to properly dispose and cover poultry carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials.
Commercial poultry producers should follow the procedures of contacting the company they grow for when they notice signs of disease. Hunters are encouraged to practice biosecurity practices, and are instructed to not handle obviously sick or dead wild birds. Review a hunting fact sheet here.
Delaware backyard flock owners who notice any unusual symptoms signs in their flock should email poultry.health@delaware.gov or call the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at 302-698-4507 and provide your contact information, size of flock, location, and concerns. More information about avian influenza in Delaware can be found here.
The Delaware Department of Agriculture requires the registration of all locations where live poultry is kept, which allows timely information on disease incidents to be sent to all poultry producers. Registration forms are available online here.
