Missouri poultry producers are encouraged to review and tighten biosecurity protocols in light of the avian influenza virus being confirmed in poultry throughout the Midwest.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Agriculture said this disease is known to be deadly for domesticated chickens and turkeys. The department said avian influenza has been confirmed in both commercial and backyard poultry flocks in Midwestern states this month.
Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg said the influenza had a major impact on the U.S. poultry industry this spring, as migratory birds flew north for the summer. While wild birds, especially waterfowl, are carriers of the virus, domestic poultry are very susceptible.
"HPAI didn't just 'go away' over the summer," Strubberg said in a news release. "The wild waterfowl carrying the virus are again active in the flyways as the fall migratory season ensues."
The symptoms of avian influenza include:
• Decrease in water and feed consumption.
• Quietness among the flock.
• Decrease in egg production.
• Sudden increase in death in the flock.
Ways to prevent poultry flocks from getting the disease include:
• Prevent contact with wild birds, especially wild waterfowl.
• Restrict visitor access to your birds.
• Limit food and water sources that would attract wild birds.
• Clean and disinfect all wheels on vehicles, wagons and trailers visiting an area or a farm where poultry is located.
• Clean and disinfect any equipment, including cages/coops, that was borrowed from or loaned to another producer.
Poultry producers who notice any symptoms in their flocks are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian or the Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division at 573-751-3377.
The Department also encourages producers to register for a federal premises ID number (PIN). PIN registration is administered by the state of Missouri, online or via phone call, and allows animal health officials to quickly and precisely identify where animals are located in the event of an animal health or food safety emergency. Information gathered through premises registration is to be solely used for animal health purposes so animal health officials will have necessary contact information in case of a disease concern.
Strubberg added avian influenza does not present a food safety risk. Poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. Though extremely rare, avian influenza can be transmitted to humans.
For more information about avian influenza, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.