From Texas Animal Health Commission
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The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of
highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a flock of commercial turkeys
in Indiana, a flock of commercial broiler chickens in Kentucky, and a
backyard flock of mixed species birds in Virginia, in February
2022. To learn more about these cases, click here.
Prior to these cases, APHIS also reported multiple
confirmations of HPAI in the wild bird population, since January 2022.
These findings are not unexpected, as wild birds can be infected with HPAI
and can carry the disease to new areas when migrating. APHIS anticipates
additional wild bird findings.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, these avian influenza detections do not present an immediate public health
concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been
detected in the United States.
The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in
the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively surveil and
test in the affected areas and look for the disease in other commercial
poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird
populations.
While avian influenza has not been detected in Texas, the
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) strongly encourages poultry owners to
implement or strengthen biosecurity practices in both commercial and
backyard flocks immediately. Creating a barrier between migratory birds and
your flock is of the utmost importance due to the known HPAI in the fly
ways. Practicing sound biosecurity can help keep disease away from your
flock and keep your birds healthy.
Below please find general information about avian influenza
and helpful biosecurity tips to keep your flock healthy.
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WHAT IS AVIAN
INFLUENZA?
Avian influenza (AI) is an influenza type A virus that infects
domestic poultry, fowl and birds, such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants,
ducks, geese and guinea fowl.
There are many strains of the AI virus. Based on the severity
of illness caused by the virus, these strains are put into two
classifications, low pathogenic and highly pathogenic. Highly pathogenic
strains are capable of mutating to HPAI under certain field conditions.
HPAI virus strains are extremely infectious, often fatal to chickens, and can
spread rapidly from flock-to-flock.
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SIGNS &
SYMPTOMS
Signs of AI infection may differ based on the strain. Signs
and symptoms of AI infected birds may include:
· Sudden death without clinical signs
· Lack of energy and appetite
· Decreased egg production
· Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
· Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles
and hocks
· Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs
and legs
· Nasal discharge
· Coughing and sneezing
· Incoordination
· Diarrhea
Birds infected with LPAI may show few to no warning signs.
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TRANSMISSION
AI viruses are
transmitted directly from bird to bird through airborne transmission or
indirectly through contaminated material such as shoes, tools, and
equipment. The movement of humans, birds and equipment, along with exposure
to migratory waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds, increases the
risk for the introduction of AI.
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DIAGNOSIS
Producers who
suspect poultry to be infected with the AI virus, or observe clinical signs
of HPAI, such as high morbidity and mortality, should immediately contact
the TAHC or USDA for testing, if necessary. Upon laboratory confirmation of
the disease, the TAHC will work closely with the bird owner to prevent
disease spread. Response personnel will visit the operation and work to
efficiently take samples, quarantine the premises and inventory poultry.
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PREVENTION
Poultry producers and dealers should follow sound biosecurity
practices to prevent the introduction of AI into their flocks.
· Restrict traffic onto and off of
property.
· Thoroughly clean and disinfect all
equipment, tires and undercarriages of vehicles before entering or leaving
areas where poultry are present.
· Allow as few people to enter poultry
premises as possible.
· Always wear clean clothing and disinfect
properly before and after working with poultry.
· Protect poultry flocks from coming into
contact with wild or migratory birds.
· Keep poultry away from any source of water
that may have been contaminated by wild birds.
· Avoid visiting other poultry farms. If you
must go where other poultry are located, disinfect or change clothing and
shoes before returning to your farm.
· Do not bring birds to the farm unless you
know the health status of the flock of origin.
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HUMAN HEALTH
CONCERNS
Avian influenza does
not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these
avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. As a
reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an
internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses. For more
information on human health concerns visit: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/idcu/disease/avian_flu/.
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REPORTING SICK
BIRDS
Remain vigilant in
examining the health of your birds. If your birds exhibit unusual death
loss or signs of illness, or you observe large scale sickness and mortality
of wild birds, call your private veterinarian, the TAHC: 1-800-550-8242, or
the USDA: 1-866-536-7593 immediately.
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