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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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The Rhode Island Department of Health and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said that 445 birds at a bird market in Providence were euthanized after the detection of avian flu during routine quarterly testing.

The department said that the asymptomatic birds were located at Antonelli Poultry.

The business must also remain closed until five days after the birds were disposed of and the entire business was cleaned and sanitized.

“Because staff at Antonelli Poultry may have been exposed to avian influenza, and out of an abundance of caution, RIDOH is monitoring all staff for 10 days for symptoms of avian influenza,” a release said.

To prevent any foodborne illness, RIDOH recommended:

• Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards before and after contact with raw poultry, meat, seafood, and eggs.
• Keep raw poultry and meat away from food that won’t be cooked—like fruits and vegetables.
• Cook food to the proper temperature and use a food thermometer to check the food’s internal temperature. You cannot tell by looking at food if it is cooked to the proper temperature.

The following recommendations were also given to avoid avian flu:

• Avoid direct contact with birds or other animals infected with, or suspected to be infected with, avian influenza.
• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals.
• Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza.
• Do not touch or drink raw milk (unpasteurized milk), especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza.
• Do not handle any sick or dead wild birds or other animals without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

More information on avian flu in humans can be found here.

More information on avian flu in animals can be found here.