The Montgomery County Health Department has shared an advisory by the United States Department of Agriculture regarding Avian Influenza, commonly referred to as the bird flu. The advisory includes signs to look for and safe practices to prevent spreading the viral disease.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division reports that so far 30 counties in Indiana have detected bird flu. Montgomery County is not one of them, however, cases have been reported in neighboring Tippecanoe, Clinton, Boone and Hendricks counties. The State of Indiana said the current Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is the largest health emergency in history.
Some signs to look for in livestock include:
• Sudden death without clinical signs.
• Lack of energy and appetite.
• Decreased egg production.
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks.
• Nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing.
• Lack of coordination.
Bird flu spreads quickly from bird-to-bird contact and can travel on manure and farm equipment like egg flats and crates. People can also spread the disease on their clothing, shoes and hands.
The CDC states the best prevention of the disease is to avoid sources of exposure.
“Infected birds shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, mucous and feces and other infected animals may shed avian influenza A viruses in respiratory secretions and other body fluids (e.g., cow milk),” the CDC website states.
In order to prevent the spread, the USDA advises to restrict traffic of wild birds on farm land — migratory waterfowl are known to carry the disease. Disinfect shoes, clothing, hands and farm supplies and equipment frequently. The USDA also advises if possible to avoid visiting other poultry farms or bird owners, otherwise change clothes and clean disinfect clothing and hands after.
Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; cooked poultry and eggs and pasteurized dairy products are safe to eat.
The USDA suggests best practices when buying birds include buying from reputable dealer and request certification from suppliers to verify that birds were legally imported. Keep new birds separated current livestock for at least 30 days, and keep young and old birds and birds of different species and from different sources apart.
If your birds are sick or dying, call your agricultural extension agent, local veterinarian or the state veterinarian. Reach out to the USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593 for more information on prevention and treatment.
