Day-old duck hatchlings crawl around inside an incubator at Crescent Duck Farm, in Aquebogue, N.Y. AP File Photo

As news of the first case of highly contagious avian influenza in Butler County breaks, it’s important not to overreact.

By all reports, those involved have done the responsible thing in a timely manner. Mia Prensky, of Seggond Chance Farms, self-reported the incident to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, despite not running a facility that distributed the birds elsewhere.

It’s an action she should be applauded for. The possibility of a negative reaction by the public about the outbreak, paired with the fact that the farm is a rescue shelter and the accompanying knowledge the birds would have to be culled, would make such action hard to take.

The state moved quickly to contain the outbreak, which is believed to have been caused by wild ducks. Officials arrived to test the animals by the evening of Prensky’s call. Birds found to be carrying the virus, over 600 all told, were culled.

By the same token, local poultry farmers are taking precautions to avoid further outbreaks in their own flocks. Dave Jones, of Jones Turkey Farm, and Kevin Jarosinski, of Jarosinski Farms, both noted the level of caution they take toward there animals. In Jarosinski’s words they, “take care of our paycheck because our paycheck are the animals.”

In the past, the agricultural community in Butler County has carefully followed recommendations from the state to protect local flocks. Even with restrictions on poultry exhibits at the farm show, for example in 2022, the board found positive ways for 4H members to participate while protecting the industry.

While the spread of avian influenza is of continuing concern across the country, the incident in Butler County was handled responsibly, quickly and correctly. At least in this case, the system worked.

— JP