Chickens and other poultry at risk for HPAI

In the past month, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), better known as bird flu, has been detected in commercial poultry operations in Darke and Mercer counties. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that three million chickens and turkeys have been affected by this disease in Ohio. Other major poultry producing states also have reported the disease. Though Hancock County does not have large commercial poultry operations, it does have many individuals raising backyard chickens, and poultry is a common project for 4-H and FFA youth. All chickens, whether in large or small flocks, are susceptible to HPAI, and precautions should be taken to protect them. The disease is transmitted from direct contact between infected and uninfected birds and indirectly by objects that may have been in contact with diseased birds such as people, rodents, pets, feed, vehicles and equipment. Biosecurity measures need to be taken by poultry owners to prevent the virus from reaching their flocks. Biosecurity is a fancy name for sanitary practices used by livestock producers to prevent infectious agents from reaching their animals. Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Department of Agriculture recommend the following biosecurity practices to protect backyard flocks from direct and indirect contact: Minimize direct contact with infected birds: · Avoid contact between your flock and other birds, wild and domestic, especially around open water and pastures. · Prevent mixing between species within the same flocks, such as ducks, geese, and chickens, and between multiple ages of the same species. · Purchase birds from sources listed in the National Poultry Improvement Plan program. · Quarantine new birds for a week before mixing with the rest of the flock. · If you show birds at events such as fairs, quarantine for a week before returning to the main flock. Practices to minimize indirect contact: · Do not allow outside people to visit your flock. They could inadvertently carry the disease on their clothes, shoes, hands, or other objects brought with them. · Dedicate specific clothes and shoes while working with your flock. · Use disposable coveralls, gloves and shoe covers when working with your flock. · Wash your hands before and after handling birds and their surroundings, including feed and water. · Establish a hand sanitizing station near the flock for use each time the poultry house is entered or exited. · Do not allow pets near the flock. · Animal proof your poultry house, especially against birds (sparrows) and rodents. · Acquire feed from trusted sources and store in a secure place safe from other animals. · Drinking water should be the same quality as used by humans. Surface water from rivers, ponds, or puddles may contain the virus left by migratory wild birds. Avian influenza symptoms in a flock include lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, or hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; incoordination; diarrhea; and sudden death. If you suspect HPAI in your backyard flock, contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728- 6220. Bird flu is uncommon in humans. In the past year, it has been detected in dairy herds across the U.S. Individuals that work around poultry and dairy are at higher risk than the regular population. It is suspected that bird flu can be transferred from infected cows to people by drinking unpasteurized milk. Thus, as a safety factor, it is highly recommended to not drink raw milk (raw milk has not been pasteurized). In summary, all poultry are at risk of becoming infected with the bird flu. The potential for infection will increase as migratory waterfowls move through the area this spring. Poultry owners can reduce this risk by diligently following established biosecurity measures. There are some excellent resources on protecting poultry from bird flu. These include Ohio State University information page on HPAI at https://u.osu.edu/poultry/hpai-information and a recent webinar on biosecurity measures to protect flocks from the Ohio Poultry Association which may be found on the Hancock Extension website, https://hancock.osu.edu. Ed Lentz is agriculture and natural resources educator with Ohio State University Extension Office — Hancock County.