Avian influenza detected in flock at Warren farm

AUGUSTA – A mild strain of avian influenza has been detected in a flock of about 2,800 ducks, pheasants and geese on a farm in Warren, the state Department of Agriculture reported Friday.

The state was notified Thursday that tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture turned up positive for the influenza virus, Maine Agriculture Commissioner Robert W. Spear said. The farm has been under quarantine since a veterinarian took samples last week.

“It is critical to our poultry industry that we work together and act quickly to stop this in its tracks,” Spear said.

The flock was tested after a live bird market in Boston reported a positive test for the virus two weeks ago. The Warren farm supplies birds primarily to live markets in New England.