Avian Influenza has been found on
poultry farms in four counties around Wisconsin; the closest being Jefferson
County, where two farms have tested positive for the disease. Since this is a
highly contagious disease and because of its proximity to Dane County, poultry
producers and small flock owners should be concerned and take steps to protect
their birds.
Avian Influenza or H5N2 or “bird
flu” is a highly pathogenic virus that infects domestic poultry, such as
chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks and geese. It also affects wild
birds, in particular waterfowl. The virus spreads through direct contact with
infected birds, contaminated objects/equipment, and aerosol (only over short
distances). The virus is found in feces, saliva, and respiratory secretions of
infected birds. It spreads rapidly and has a high death
rate.
It is important to regularly check
your birds for signs of illness and disease. Some symptoms of avian influenza
include one or more of the following:
•
Decreased food consumption,
excessive thirst
•
Respiratory signs, such as
coughing and sneezing
•
Swollen wattles and
combs
•
Watery greenish diarrhea, closed
eyes, depression
•
Decreased egg
production
Biosecurity is vital during an
outbreak and even before an outbreak occurs. Biosecurity is the implementation
of best practices to prevent the spread of diseases. It is important for all
poultry producers, no matter the size of their operation. The following are some
steps you can take to protect your flock from Avian Influenza. These are taken
from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP)
press release and are good information for anyone with
poultry.
•
Keep your distance—Restrict
access to your property and keep your birds away from other birds; try to reduce
contact with wild birds.
•
Keep it clean—Wash your hands
thoroughly before and after working with your birds. Clean and disinfect
equipment.
•
Don’t haul disease home—Buy
birds from reputable sources and keep new birds separated for at least 30 days;
quarantine returning birds from the rest of your flock after visiting a poultry
swap, exhibition or other event.
•
Don’t borrow disease—Do not
share equipment or supplies with neighbors or other bird owners. If you must
borrow, disinfect it first.
•
Know the warning signs—Early
detection can help prevent the spread of the disease. Check your birds
frequently. If you find a sick or dead bird, don’t touch
it.
•
Report sick birds—Don’t wait. If
your birds are sick or dying, call DATCP at
1‐800‐572‐8981.
For more information about avian
influenza, please visit the following website: http://datcp.wi.gov/Animals/
Currently there are no human
health concerns for this strain of avian influenza. It is safe to eat properly
prepared poultry products, including meat and eggs.
Compiled by:
Jennifer
Blazek
Dane County UW-Extension Dairy
& Livestock Educator
blazek.jennifer@countyofdane.
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