Avian Flu Strikes sonoma County Farms,Nearly 290,000 Birds Destroyed
Sonoma County,CA – January 23,2025 – Two Sonoma County poultry farms have been hit by avian influenza outbreaks,leading to the mandated destruction of nearly 290,000 birds,officials confirmed this week. The outbreaks come as migrating birds perhaps contribute to the spread of respiratory infections in poultry, according to experts.
Reichardt Duck Farm bore the brunt of the recent losses, being obligated to euthanize it’s entire flock. Owner Phil Reichardt estimates the farm currently has approximately 15,000 eggs incubating, with another 20,000-30,000 eligible for incubation soon, all of which must be moved offsite for rearing.
“It’s an expensive process when no revenue is coming in,” Reichardt said. “But it’s all we certainly know how to do. So we keep going even when it feels like we’re battering our heads against a brick wall.”
The Department of Agriculture offers an indemnity program to compensate farmers for income lost due to avian flu. Sonoma County farms received a total of $10.6 million in reimbursements during the 2023-24 outbreaks. However, Reichardt expressed concern that the department’s assessment of fair market value for the ducks differs significantly from his own.
Reichardt also questioned the USDA‘s strict depopulation requirements, suggesting alternative approaches. “Could we have euthanized the affected birds and monitored the others? And continue testing birds?” he wondered,noting that only a couple dozen ducks were confirmed sick during the recent outbreak. “I think I understand USDA’s stance. This thing is terrible. When it takes hold, it’s like a wildfire. But I think there are other methods to put out the wildfire. It’s a depressing process to put down healthy, happy birds.”
The farm faces a four-month wait before reintroducing birds, with additional months needed for young ducks to mature and begin laying eggs. Reichardt Duck Farm was still recovering from a previous outbreak in late 2023,which forced the euthanasia of over 200,000 birds,and had only reached approximately 40% of its pre-2023 levels before the latest blow.
The outbreaks also raise concerns about potential job losses for farm staff. Reichardt expressed deep concern for his employees, stating, ”It really gets me emotional. Some of them are family to us. These people are working their butts off to put themselves out of work.”
these outbreaks follow a pattern established in the 2023-24 season.The first major California outbreak of that period occurred in late October 2023 at a turkey facility in Merced County, ultimately leading to the deaths of at least 6.3 million commercial birds statewide. Sonoma County producers alone experienced an estimated $22 million in financial losses. The outbreaks also contributed to a surge in egg prices in stores. While Sonoma County was spared the worst of the 2023-24 pandemic, which saw over 16.5 million birds die statewide, this winter already poses a meaningful threat.
