On July 11, 2015, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
(PDA) published notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin which placed a quarantine
order on all poultry and poultry products from the premises of the annual
Pennsylvania Farm Show, as well as any competitions, shows, fairs and
exhibitions that receive funding pursuant to the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act. The quarantine will be in effect
until further notice from PDA.
The notice cites the authority to issue the quarantine comes
from the Domestic Animal Law, specifically 3 Pa. C.S.A. §§ 2329(a) and 2329(d). Under section 2329(d), avian influenza is
considered a “dangerous transmissible disease,” giving the PDA broad authority
in how to prevent and handle potential outbreaks.
Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding issued a press release back on May 11, 2015, announcing these measures. The press release noted that the measures are
in place to prevent a potential outbreak and spread of avian influenza in
Pennsylvania. The last outbreak in
Pennsylvania occurred in 1983-84 and 17 million birds were lost that were
valued at $65 million. In 2014, the
poultry and egg industry totaled $13 billion in economic activity in
Pennsylvania, making prevention of avian influenza critical.
Written by Katharine Richter - Research Assistant
July 16, 2015
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