445 birds euthanized after bird flu found at Providence business

PROVIDENCE (WPRI) — Cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza were confirmed in some birds at Antonelli Poultry in Providence, according to the Rhode Island departments of Health and Environmental Management.

The cases were found in live ducks and chickens during routine quarterly testing. The birds were from out-of-state dealers.

In a press release Saturday, the health department shared that the state veterinarian had to conduct USDA-required euthanasia procedures on 445 asymptomatic birds in order to prevent the disease from spreading further.

While cases of the H5N1 strain are rare in humans, RIDOH is monitoring all staff for 10 days for possible symptoms of the disease.

Antonelli Poultry is set to be closed for 5 days once the infected birds have been removed and the business is properly sanitized. The business is cooperating with the DEM and RIDOH.

The health department is advising anyone who bought poultry from Antonelli Poultry between June 9 and June 12 to double bag the meat and throw it out. For those who may have eaten the poultry, Department of Health Director Dr. Jerry Larkin said the chance of getting sick is still low.

“Cooking poultry to the proper internal temperature of 165° kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses,” Larkin explained in the release. “If you have properly cooked and eaten chicken from Antonelli Poultry, the risk of becoming ill is very low; however, if you develop symptoms of avian influenza, you should seek medical care.”

This is Rhode Island’s first confirmed domestic bird case of avian influenza in 2026.

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