WASHINGTON- New reports from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was found in two non-commercial backyard flocks.

APHIS reported HPAI in flocks from Suffolk County, NY, and Knox County, Maine.  

The samples from both states were tested at the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.

The agency said it is working closely with state animal health officials in New York and Maine on a joint incident response. 

“State officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease,” APHIS said. “Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.”

Several reports of HPAI occurred during recent weeks, including flocks in Indiana, Virginia and Kentucky. The USDA also added surveillance of wild birds after highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in wild birds in several states.