445 asymptomatic birds euthanized at Providence poultry market following avian flu detection in routine testing.
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have reported that 445 asymptomatic birds at Antonelli Poultry, a bird market in Providence, were euthanized after the detection of avian influenza during routine quarterly testing.
The business is required to remain closed until five days after the disposal of the birds and the completion of cleaning and sanitization of the entire premises.
As a precautionary measure, RIDOH is monitoring all staff at Antonelli Poultry for 10 days for symptoms of avian influenza due to potential exposure.
Preventing Foodborne Illness
To ensure food safety, RIDOH recommends the following practices:
- Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards before and after contact with raw poultry, meat, seafood, and eggs.
- Keep raw poultry and meat away from food that will not be cooked, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Cook food to the proper temperature and use a food thermometer to check internal temperature; visual inspection alone is insufficient.
Avoiding Avian Flu
To prevent exposure to avian influenza, RIDOH advises the following:
- Avoid direct contact with birds or other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with avian influenza.
- Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals.
- Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza.
- Do not touch or drink raw (unpasteurized) milk, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza.
- Do not handle sick or dead wild birds or other animals without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Further information on avian flu in humans and animals is available at referenced sources.