H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have recently been detected in wild waterfowl in multiple states along the East Coast. These viruses are genetically similar to the H5N1 HPAI viruses that have been widely circulating throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa in recent years, causing devastating losses for poultry producers.
Wild birds, especially waterfowl species, are the natural reservoir hosts for avian influenza viruses and can be infected without showing any outward signs of disease. People, clothes, footwear, vehicles, tools, and equipment can all become contaminated after exposure to wild birds or their feces and can potentially introduce avian influenza into a flock.
All poultry owners, whether they have one bird or 1 million birds, should be on high alert. Poultry owners are encouraged to review their biosecurity plans. If possible, birds should be kept indoors to prevent contact with wild birds. Owners should have dedicated clothes and footwear that are only used when interacting with their flock. All tools and equipment used in and around a flock should be cleaned and disinfected. Visitors should be kept to a minimum and should be asked about their exposure to wild and domestic birds before allowing them to interact with a flock.
Note that wild bird surveillance programs are only able to sample a very small subset of the total migratory waterfowl population. So, even if there has not been a detection of HPAI in wild birds in the area, poultry owners should assume that wild birds are carrying the virus and implement appropriate biosecurity measures to protect their flock.
If birds are sick or dying, poultry owners should immediately contact their veterinarian, the nearest veterinary diagnostic lab, the Pennsylvania State Veterinarian's office at 717-772-2852, or the USDA hotline at 866-536-7593. Additional information on avian influenza and biosecurity measures can be found at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program.
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