Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Alert

In December 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds in the Pacific flyway (migratory bird path). Since that time, states in the central and Mississippi flyways have also experienced poultry death losses from Avian Influenza virus. The disease has been found in wild birds, as well as in backyard and commercial poultry flocks.

It is believed that Avian Influenza virus is spread by wild ducks and geese. Since the different North American flyways used by these birds overlap with each other it is logical to assume that it is only a matter of time before these highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses that first appeared in the Pacific flyway show up in the Atlantic flyway.

Protect your birds with Good Biosecurity

Flock owners should strengthen their biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza virus into their flocks. One of the best things you can do to prevent your birds from being infected with this virus is to protect them from coming in contact with wild or migratory waterfowl. Also, keep your poultry away from any source of water that may have been contaminated by wild birds. Don’t use surface water (such as pond water) as a drinking water source for your poultry. Avoid visiting other poultry farms and auctions. If you do, be sure to change your clothing and footwear before working with your own birds.

Remember, Avian Influenza virus can infect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, ducks, geese and guinea fowl, as well as a wide variety of other birds. It does not seem to make wild waterfowl sick but seems to be shed in their manure. It can be very deadly to domestic poultry. So, protecting your poultry from direct contact with wild ducks and geese and contact with water contaminated by these birds or contact with equipment and footwear contaminated with manure from wild waterfowl is critical to protecting your flock. 

More information on Avian Influenza virus is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website.