Multiple agencies respond after bird flu was discovered in four Missouri counties

Lawrence County, Missouri (KY3)-Multiple agencies in Newtown are working to curb the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza after the virus has been found in commercial and domestic turkey and chicken in four counties. increase.

According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, bird flu, commonly referred to as bird flu, occurs naturally in a population of birds. It spreads from bird to bird, most often from wild birds and floods to chickens and turkeys, through “feces, saliva, runny nose”. The strains found are highly pathogenic and can spread rapidly from flock to flock and can be fatal to chickens.

On February 8, bird flu was discovered in a flock of commercial turkeys in Indiana. Since then, it has been found in herds of 15 states. According to USDA, Including Missouri. So far, no cases have been found in Arkansas.

“Missouri is certainly not the only state,” says Christie Miller of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “Missouri is located on the border between the Mississippi Flyway and the Central Flyway and is found in states on both sides of the border. It is highly recommended that commercial and backyard producers enhance biosecurity. Limit the availability of mixing with those wild water fouls. Be careful with your footwear and clothing when dealing with birds. The virus spreads very rapidly and infects footwear from flock to flock. This is the best way to get rid of this virus. “

Cases confirmed in a flock of commercial turkeys last week Jasper and Lawrence counties.. The Missouri Department of Agriculture will work with USDA officials to prevent further local spread after the virus is found in the herd.

“These birds have been euthanized and depopulated,” Miller explains. “And it’s a matter of time to clean and disinfect those barns before using them again to bring and breed baby birds.”

The Missouri Conservation Department says that efforts by several national agencies to test wild birds are also underway. MDC confirmed Wild birds in 6 counties The virus test was positive. The department tells bird hunters what to keep in mind when they bag their birds on their next hunting trip.

“Hunters are advised to take common sense precautions when dealing with birds harvested outdoors or at home,” the Missouri Conservation Department said on its website. “It is important to be aware that the bird flu virus may be transported by boat, wader, or other device, especially if it is not dry before moving from one location to another. That’s right.

The CDC considers the risks to the general public from these infections in wild birds, backyard herds, and commercial poultry. Go low.. The Missouri Ag Department states that eating poultry is still safe if properly handled and cooked. The agency also states that bird-to-human spread is rare, but it is possible. The Missouri Senior Health Services Department works with local health agencies to monitor people at high risk of exposure for work.

“Our DHSS epidemiologists work closely with local public health agencies to monitor this situation and make testing readily available state-wide if needed,” MODHSS spokesman said. Man, Lisa Cox, says. “H5N1 avian influenza poses a low risk to the general public. However, DHSS monitors birds at high risk of infection due to work-related exposure to birds. Currently, the virus is changing in humans. We are preparing and taking precautions in case of increased risk to our health. Currently, there are no known human cases in the state of Missouri. “

According to USDA, between 2014 and 2015, the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza killed or destroyed 50 million turkeys and chickens.Its occurrence leads to many Higher price With turkey, chicken and eggs. Miller says it’s too early to know how the current outbreak could affect the market.

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