Small scale and backyard poultry owners should remain vigilant to protect against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
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EmailChicken, duck and turkey and game bird owners should increase their on-farm biosecurity practices and minimize opportunities for domestic and wild bird interactions to reduce risk of HPAI infections.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to be a year-round concern, making it important for bird owners to increase biosecurity practices and remain vigilant in monitoring their birds’ health.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread directly by infected wild birds/animals or indirectly through any items that have come into contact with the virus such as equipment, vehicles, feed and the clothing and shoes of animal caretakers. Implementing biosecurity practices can help reduce the risk of exposure and infection. Michigan State University Extension suggests the following on-farm practices:
Prevent contact between wild birds and domestic birds
- Removing standing water
- Fencing off natural ponds and vegetative areas around barns and pasture/free-ranging areas
- Reducing food sources for wild birds
- Covering animal carcasses
- Plugging holes where wild birds can obtain access into and out of coops
- Removing wild bird perching areas
Implement on-farm biosecurity practices
- Wear clean clothing and footwear while caring for animals
- Practice good personal hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and hot water
- Regularly clean and disinfect tools and equipment used on the farm
- Limit farm visitors: if service professionals must come on the farm, identify a specific area for parking away from animal housing and provide visitors with disposable foot coverings
- Do not visit neighboring flocks. If you must, wear different clothing and footwear than you wear with your flock
- Limit exposure to your flock from anyone who has had contact with other flocks of birds or infected cattle.
- Keep a visitor log that includes the date individuals visited your flock and their contact information
- Separate, or ideally isolate, any newly acquired animals for a minimum of 14 days and monitor new animals for signs of illness
- Know the signs and symptoms of illness
- Care for new, separated, isolated or sick animals last
To create a comprehensive farm biosecurity plan, visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Defend the Flock resource center for more information and detailed biosecurity checklists.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, birds infected with HPAI may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Lack of coordination
- Low energy or appetite
- Purple discoloration or swelling of the head, comb, wattles, eyelids, and/or hocks
- Reduced egg production, or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs
- Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing
- Diarrhea
- Sudden death with no prior signs
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) notes that HPAI is not evidenced by one bird showing symptoms or dying while the remaining flock continues acting normally. Small flock and backyard poultry owners should take notice when two or more birds die within a 24-hour period and the rest of the flock is exhibiting symptoms of HPAI. Bird owners should contact MDARD if they suspect an HPAI infection in birds at 1-800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
If unusual or unexplained wild birds deaths are noticed, cases should be reported to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app, choose the “Diseased Wildlife” option in the “Observation Forms,” or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
Properly prepared and cooked poultry products remain safe to consume. The chance of infected poultry or egg products entering the food chain is extremely low due to the rapid onset of symptoms of HPAI and the USDA flock monitoring and inspection safeguards that are in place.
