Spokane, WA-New Highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Spokane County and is worrisome to domestic bird owners.
Goose dying from a herd in the backyard of Spokane showed prominent symptoms before they died and urged a veterinarian to submit it for examination. Unfortunately, the results returned positive for HPAI, or bird flu, and about 75 other birds in the flock were euthanized to prevent their spread.
this is The second best known virus example in Washington..
Bird owners need to be vigilant, but non-owners also have some important points: Highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza teeth Infectious to humans.. but, Disease Control Center Still, you need to take the time to learn how the disease spreads and what to do if you come into contact with potential pollutants.
HPAI spreads through direct contact, fecal pollution, airborne infections, environmental pollution, and shared water sources. It can be transmitted from wild birds to poultry and vice versa. Both wild and domestic waterfowl can become infected without showing symptoms of the disease.
However, bird owners should be especially careful with species that have chickens and turkeys named Dusty, such as Sammy Stout, because they have a higher mortality rate.
“They are important members of our family. If they don’t do enough to prevent them from getting the disease, I’ll be devastated,” Stout said.
Stout has owned chickens for about 10 years. Like any pet, the Stout Bird is a beloved member of her family.
“He sometimes works with me. He’s like the mascot of our farm. Like dogs and cats, we love him.”
But Dusty won’t travel much for a while, at least until this new stock of HPAI is in control. The disease is a nuisance to most poultry and is most often a death sentence.
“Usually it causes respiratory symptoms, sudden death and weakness,” said Dr. Joselin Wood. Spokane Mountain Veterinary Hospital.. “Everything we see.”
And if the virus invades a commercial herd, the bad news.
In the past few weeks, millions of chickens have been wiped out in commercial herds nationwide, affecting not only farmers but also the national food chain.
“That’s what we don’t want to happen, it’s going into a commercial herd,” Dr. Wooded warned.
That was a horrifying idea, and it became even more severe as Dr. Woodd added that the virus could spread to poultry by wild birds. I don’t know where the virus will be attacked next.
“It is spread by wild birds. They are mobile birds that often move north and across the country, but any wild bird can theoretically spread bird flu,” explains Dr. Wood. Did.
As a result, some states have already asked people who have bird feeders or baths in their backyards to take down their bird feeders or baths for the foreseeable future.
“It doesn’t hurt to put the feeder inside with special care,” Dr. Wooded agreed.
She says the best way to avoid spreading to your herd is to separate your birds from wild birds so that they have no chance of contact. Other ways to keep your herd safe are to limit traffic to your property, avoid visiting other poultry farms and herds, and contact outside birds before you enter your own area. This includes being cautious about washing your hands and shoes if you do.
If you find a sick or dead bird, Washington State Fish and Wildlife Service straight away!
