Heartbreak at Seggond Chance Farm: Bird Flu Devastates Sanctuary for Misfit Birds
In an unexpected tragedy, the beloved Seggond Chance Farm in Cranberry Township, a sanctuary for misfit birds, has been ravaged by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), leaving a quiet emptiness behind. Once home to hundreds of rescued chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other birds, the farm has seen the destruction of its feathered family—many of whom were elderly, injured, or genetically compromised.
Mia Prensky, the 38-year-old owner of the farm, has dedicated her life to rescuing birds abandoned by commercial farms, breeders, and previous owners. However, this past February, her sanctuary was hit by the national bird flu epidemic, devastating the farm's population. Within days, dozens of beloved birds, including Imogen, a deformed hen who became an ambassador for animal welfare, were lost to the virus. The virus spread rapidly, claiming nearly half of the sanctuary’s chickens and turkeys.
The state Department of Agriculture quarantined Seggond Chance Farm, euthanizing the remaining birds to prevent further spread of the disease. With a 120-day quarantine in place, the farm, which is usually home to about 400 birds, will not be able to take in any new rescues for at least a year.
Prensky’s emotional yet determined response to the crisis is a call to action for others in the bird rescue community. “It’s all I could do to protect other wildlife, my employees, and neighbors,” Prensky said. “The only way to mitigate the local threat is we have to end their suffering to make things safe for the rest of us.”
In a heartbreaking yet courageous move, Prensky is sharing her story with the public to raise awareness about HPAI and its devastating impact on both domestic and wild bird populations. Seggond Chance Farm may be quiet for now, but its owner remains committed to educating others on how to protect their flocks from this deadly virus.
For anyone with backyard flocks or bird sanctuaries, biosecurity is more important than ever. As Prensky's story shows, the virus can spread quickly, and vigilance is key to keeping birds safe.
