All Oklahoma poultry producers and backyard flock owners should remain alert and practice strict biosecurity protocols to prevent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
The virus has been reported in backyard poultry flocks in Carter, Wagoner and Grady counties and a domestic swan in Oklahoma County.
State veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall said poultry and eggs are safe to consume when prepared properly, but this particular strain of avian influenza is killing chickens rapidly.
“We encourage flock owners to do all they can to eliminate domestic poultry exposure to wild waterfowl, areas where wild waterfowl gather and domestic waterfowl that mingle with wild waterfowl,” he said.
Animal health experts with Oklahoma State University Extension and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry say more cases are likely this fall as wild waterfowl migrate south.
“Bird owners should take all biosecurity precautions, especially preventing exposure of domestic poultry to wild waterfowl,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, OSU Extension veterinarian .
Hall at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture said although this particular strain of avian influenza has not shown the ability to infect humans and make them ill, people should take appropriate precautions.
“Viruses mutate, so people with exposure to sick poultry should use personal protective equipment,” he said.
HPAI signs and symptoms include: Coughing and sneezing; Difficulty breathing; Extreme depression; Lack of energy Decrease in feed or water intake; Swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle or legs; Decrease in egg production; Sudden, unexplained death.
To protect birds, employ these biosecurity standards: Restrict visitor access to birds; Prevent contact with wild birds (especially waterfowl); Refrain from visiting other poultry operation locations; Set aside clothing and footwear to wear only when working with birds; Disinfect footwear before entering a barn or coop;