
Rhode Island Poultry Market Euthanizes 445 Birds After H5N1 Hit
Rhode Island's Antonelli Poultry in Providence tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza during USDA routine testing, prompting humane euthanization of about 445 asymptomatic birds and a five-day market closure after disposal and sanitization; the birds were from out-of-state dealers, staff are to be monitored for 10 days, and overall human risk is low. Guidance includes cooking poultry to 165°F and safe disposal for affected products; this is RI's first domestic avian influenza case in 2026, with RIDOH and DEM coordinating the response.











