Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Present in Kansas and Missouri

YOUR BIRDS ARE AT RISK! HOW CAN YOU KEEP THEM SAFE?
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a deadly disease of poultry. Recently, H5N1, a subtype of HPAI, was detected in wild birds and commercial and backyard poultry flocks in several U.S. States INCLUDING MISSOURI AND MULTIPLE OTHER STATES TO THE EAST.

HPAI spreads quickly through direct, bird-to-bird contact. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces (su, shoes, and vehicles). Wild birds can spread the virus to new areas through their feces. Domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys are most likely to experience severe disease and death from HPAI, with mortality rates often exceeding 90 percent. Birds of prey, ratites, and psittacines (parrots) are also susceptible to HPAI infection.

The most common signs of HPAI include sudden death, decreased food and water consumption, lethargy, respiratory distress, nasal discharge, purple discoloration or swelling around the legs and head, a drop in egg production, and diarrhea.
IF YOUR BIRDS ARE DIAGNOSED WITH THIS VIRUS THE STATE CAN EUTHANIZE YOUR ENTIRE FLOCK TO STOP IT FROM SPREADING.
There is no cure for HPAI. Good biosecurity is the key to keeping poultry and pet birds safe.

Bird owners are urged to:
  • Keep wild birds and rodents out of poultry houses and coops and away from backyard flocks and pet birds.
  • Secure feed bins and water and consider removing bird feeders to avoid attracting wild birds.
  • Keep visitors away from birds and avoid visiting other poultry farms or other people’s birds.
  • Wash hands and scrub boots before and after entering a poultry area. Wear disposable boot covers and coveralls, if possible. If you’ve been in areas frequented by waterfowl, change clothes and shoes before handling poultry.
  • Isolate new birds or those returning from shows for 30 days before introducing them to the flock.
  • Immediately report sick birds to your State Veterinarian or call USDA at 1-866-536-7593.

To learn more about HPAI, go to www.aphis.usda.gov and search "avian influenza."
For more biosecurity tips, go to www.aphis.usda.gov and search "defend the flock."