01/27/2025
Have concerns about HPAI or Avian Influenza!
Here is some information!
Bird flu aka avian influenza aka HPAI and LPAI is carried seasonally by migratory birds.
HPAI is highly pathogenic avian influenza and will wipe out a flock on its own once infected within 48 hours.
LPAI is lowly pathogenic avian influenza and while still fatal in most cases takes longer to transmit and transmute.
Migratory birds can be ducks- or any other bird that crosses more than 1000 miles.
Keeping backyard flocks under cover is not enough. If hardware cloth is not used to ensure small song birds cannot access the outer coops and runs through chicken wire fencing- your flock is at risk.
If you free range- your flock is at risk.
Bird flu outbreaks are not new- and have been devastating egg and poultry farmers - seasonally- for decades.
If you can think you have a case of HPAI OR LPAI- do not freeze the carcass. A necropsy will need to be done and a frozen bird makes it harder to perform. Instead double bag in a heavy duty freezer bag and store in a cooler until an agent from your local AG services or fish and wildlife can retrieve the bird for testing.
PCR tests are only reliable on a deceased bird. A true result cannot be garnished by testing live sick animals.
As with all viruses- bird flu can mutate and pass to humans. However it is rare and there are few reported cases outside of the nationally headlined case in LA.
Keep your birds undercover and safeguarded using hardware clothe from alien entry of any other species to your flocks.
Practice strict bio security when managing and maintaining your flocks. Have designated shoes to enter coops and runs that are not worn anywhere but those areas.
Clothing- also designated. Strip off clothing used to care for birds and leave outside your home and wash separately.
Do not allow people to enter your coops and runs.
Masks should be worn when cleaning coops and runs. Not only for AI protection but the myriad of other bacterial respiratory issues caused by inhaling fine particles found in dust.
Know your birds and their habits and behaviors. Isolate and quarantine immediately if you see one acting “off”
Finally- understand the bird flu is an endemic- meaning it’s here to stay with no cure.
HPAI typically strikes large producers whom do not adhere to cleanliness and are often overcrowded creating a Petrie dish of disease. Most backyard flocks will not be affected if proper security measures are enacted
Do not feed cats raw food made with poultry. There have been several cases of cats having AI after eating raw food.
