State Representative Joe Miller Addresses Avian Flu Concerns and Prevention Efforts in Ohio

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) - spoke today with Director Brian Baldridge of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)  regarding the spread of avian flu and its impact on the poultry industry. Ohio, on average, is the second largest producer of eggs in the nation, producing 10 billion eggs annually which contributes $3.3 billion to the state economy.  To date, roughly 9 million birds have been culled in Ohio since the first noted cases in 2022, with another 8 million having been culled since December 2024.

“I had a productive conversation with Director Baldridge this morning. His team is on the ground, working 6 days a week, 7 if-needed, to address this dynamic situation. I am confident in their work, and hope all authorities do their part in helping resolve this issue affecting all Ohioans. In particular, I hope the new USDA administration will continue to assist our state and others to prevent the spread of this disease,” said Rep. Joe Miller. “As the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have, and will continue to stand up for Ohio’s poultry industry, which contributes so much to our state economy. In the last budget, I proudly supported investment for a new lab that will help test and identify local outbreaks which will keep our poultry industry informed on how to keep their flocks safe.”

Wild birds, such as Canada geese, have been the primary vectors of avian flu. For backyard flocks, this presents unique challenges in stopping the spread. The USDA recommends that wildlife attractants, such as standing water, food sources, and waste material, should be removed. In addition, wildlife access should be prevented by repairing coups and barns, and deterrents added to prevent vectors from accessing the flocks. Should any sick or dead birds be discovered, backyard flock keepers should call the ODA at 614-728-6220 to report their findings. Commercial poultry owners are advised to follow the same steps, and should call the ODA at 614-882-6111 if any sick or dead birds are discovered. For more information on how to reduce the risk of avian flu, visit https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/animal-health/hpai/01-poultry.

¹https://www.ohiopoultry.org/About-Our-Industry/docs/Economic/OPA_Egg_Farming_Fact_Sheet-2023.pdf 

²https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/hpaifactsheet_wildlife-biosecurity.pdf