Although cases of the most recent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak are declining, University of Kentucky poultry specialists urge flock owners to remain vigilant. While HPAI was once a rare occurrence, poultry producers have had to deal with it more frequently in recent years.
“This is not the time to relax biosecurity measures on the farm,” said Tony Pescatore, poultry specialist and chair of the UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “We have had a few cases in Kentucky with the most recent ones in small flocks. More recently there has been a positive small flock in a neighboring county in Indiana. With correct management, growers can minimize the chances that HPAI will affect their flock.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed HPAI 833 flocks as of May 9. The disease is responsible for killing nearly 59 million poultry birds in 47 states.
Pescatore said that while the millions of sick birds mentioned in the media sounds astounding, the number represents a very small percentage of the total U.S. poultry population.
Preventing HPAI is a big deal,” he said. “It has hit some commercial growers in the country very hard. Poultry is very important to the Kentucky economy. We have a lot of poultry growers with very large flocks, quite a few small flocks and backyard flock owners. Everyone, no matter their flock’s size, must be proactive about protecting their birds from HPAI.”
Pescatore said all growers should follow simple FLU biosecurity and prevention guidelines.
F—Flock observation—Early detection helps stop the disease’s spread. Growers should observe flocks daily and note changes in appearance, behavior, and drinking and eating habits.
L—Limit traffic—Contaminated clothing and equipment spreads avian influenza between poultry premises. Growers should keep a log of visitors and vehicles on the farm. Be aware of places visitors may have had contact with birds or their droppings such as hunting lands, ponds, pet stores, zoos and parks. Visitors can unknowingly bring disease to the farm.
“It’s good practice to ask farm visitors and workers to put on clean boots to keep from spreading disease,” Pescatore said. “Cleanliness is just so important to prevent and contain HPAI.”
U—Unwanted critters—avian influenza can spread through infected birds’ feces and bodily fluids. As such, growers should prevent poultry from encountering wild birds. Keep vegetation mowed around poultry houses and coops to help control wild birds and rodents. Keep all other animals out of the chicken house. Growers should isolate new or returning birds from the rest of the flock for at least 30 days.
Source:uky.edu
Photo Credit: GettyImages-wikoski
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock, Poultry