Davis: Authorities warn about the spread of bird flu | Lifestyle

Texas A & M AgriLife experts want commercial and backyard producers across the state to be aware of the increased detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the United States.

On February 14, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds in two states, a flock of commercial broiler chicken and a flock of backyards in Fulton County, Kentucky. .. A mixed-breed bird from Fauquier County, Virginia. Bird flu pathogens have been detected in seven states, including Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Indiana, and Maryland.

APHIS is working with animal health authorities in the states of Kentucky and Virginia to respond to the incident. State officials will quarantine the affected facilities and depopulate the premises to prevent the spread of the disease.

These outbreaks followed the first report of bird flu in turkey surgery on February 9 in Indiana. On February 16, another epidemic was reported at another turkey farm in Indiana.

Bird flu is not a threat to humans, but poultry producers should be cautious.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the detection of these bird flus does not indicate imminent public health concerns. Human cases of these avian influenza viruses have not been detected in the United States.

Tom Hairglove, DVM, Ph.D. Brian College Station, a professor, veterinary specialist at Texas A & M Agrilife Extension Services, said outbreaks of these highly pathogenic avian influenza pathogens should warn commercial and backyard producers.

“Commercial producers know routines, and perhaps they need to pay a little more attention to their activities and biosecurity protocols, but backyard producers are a real concern as they are at greater risk to their herds. “He said. “So they really need to be careful about their activities and interactions around wild birds and isolating new birds before introducing them to the flock. Also, in case of sudden death, to the AgriLife Extension agent. You must report or contact the Texas Animal Health Commission directly. “

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has issued Animal Health Alerts to encourage poultry and poultry owners to enhance biosecurity to protect against highly pathogenic avian influenza.

TAHC is focused on closely monitoring the status of HPAI in 2022 and working with other agencies to disseminate information on disease and preventative measures before the bird flu approaches Texas.

Other TAHC resources include poultry health web pages, animal health alerts, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

Producers need to strengthen their biosecurity measures to avoid spreading.

APHIS materials on biosecurity, such as videos, checklists, and toolkits, help producers reduce the risk of herd infections.

Here are some basic tips on backyard biosecurity, according to Hairgrove.

n Protect the poultry house from the invasion of wild birds, pets and livestock.

n Limit visitors from homes and sheds without particularly thorough disinfection.

n Specific clothing and shoes or rubber boots specifically for the poultry house.

n Cleaning and disinfection of shared equipment such as scales, feeders and drinkers.

n Start a rodent and insect control program.

n Obtain birds from the place where you have been tested for illness.

For more information on bird flu and biosecurity practices, visit the Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Poultry Science page. http://tx.ag/poultrypubs..

A positive test for waterfowl in Maryland should remind backyard producers to avoid contact with wild birds, Hairgrove said.

“Handling of all kinds of wild birds by producers and their children leaves the possibility of spreading the disease to home herds,” he said. “It is also possible to bring pathogens into clothing and shoes, so biosecurity protocols need to be paid attention to and rigorous, especially regarding this type of bird flu and the amount of bird movement during this period.”

Texas A & M Veterinarian The Medical Diagnosis Institute will carry out the examination.

The Texas A & M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Institute (TVMDL) is part of the National Institute of Animal Health network and is skilled in testing for avian influenza virus using a nationally approved rapid molecular assay. ..

USDA and state officials are familiar with the exercises to contain bird flu and are working to contain it as in the previous year, said Kirill Dimitrov, Assistant Director of Microbiology and Research at Brian’s TVMDL. The doctor says. College station.

According to Dimitrov, TVMDL is conducting tests on the Mississippi River and the Central Flyway as part of wild bird surveillance at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for bird flu.

He said backyard herds are very important, as Hairgrove said, and herd owners need to stay up to date on this subject and be aware of the biosecurity regimen on the premises. rice field.