Extension Notebook: Bird flu still a problem

About a year ago, I wrote an article that dealt with the continuing incidence of bird Flu, High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which is still a problem in Illinois and the U.S. Since February 2022, there have been many outbreaks that have occurred across the country. Here in Illinois, we have not had many outbreaks. However, there have been a few small flocks and commercial turkey flocks that have been affected by the virus. It is still a good idea to keep an eye out for this disease.

As mentioned last fall, HPAI is a respiratory disease that affects all types of poultry. The virus is carried by migratory waterfowl such as ducks and geese. This time of year, these birds are migrating from the Southern Hemisphere to spend the summer in the Northern Hemisphere. They fly from the south along specific pathways. Here in Illinois, they use the Mississippi Flyway as their migration route. A current list of the detections in Illinois can be found at the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/h5n1-hpai#detections-hpai.

Some of the recognized biosecurity measures include watching out for migratory waterfowl near the location of your poultry. Also, make sure that the access area for a flock outdoors be kept,clean. There are a whole list of other biosecurity items to follow, as well. Flock owners, managers or veterinarians should report immediately any unusual findings in domestic poultry — such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing — to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-782-4944 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

In a recent email I received from Dr. Lynsee Melchi, field veterinary medical officer, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, the Illinois Department of Agriculture has recently announced a 30-day suspension of poultry activity in the state. This suspension includes the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets. The Department of Agriculture will evaluate the severity of the threat of bird flu and decide whether it needs to extend this suspension beyond May 11, 2025. This decision is intended to reduce and prevent the spread of the disease. Further updates regarding this action will be provided by the Department of Agriculture in early May.

Ken Koelkebeck, Ph.D., is professor emeritus, poultry Extension specialist, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois.