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3/3/2022 About Avia Bird Flu from theCT State Veterinarian

Posted on: March 3, 2022 - 10:31am

CT State Veterinarian has shared the below confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in backyard flocks outside of Connecticut. Avian influenza does not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses. This is purely informational outreach at this point.

HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN MULTIPLE STATES

Connecticut Department of Agriculture advises all poultry owners that United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the Atlantic Flyway which has affected commercial and backyard flocks in Nova Scotia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia.

Now is the time to review biosecurity plans to ensure the health and safety of your flock and take action to prevent further spread. 

Action steps for backyard flocks include:

  • Restricting access to your property and your flock
  • Clean and disinfect your clothes, shoes, equipment, and hands
  • Don't haul disease home if you have been near other birds or bird owners
  • Don't risk disease from your neighbor (do not borrow equipment and poultry supplies from other bird owners)
  • Know the warning signs 
  • Report sick birds

Poultry producers should:

  • Keep an "all-in, all-out" philosophy of flock management
  • Protect flocks from coming into contact with wild or migratory birds
  • Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm
  • Provide clean clothing and disinfection equipment and vehicles
  • Do not loan to, or borrow equipment or vehicles from, other farms
  • Change footwear and clothing before working with your flock after visiting another farm live-bird market

All Connecticut poultry owners are encouraged to report signs of Avian Influenza including sudden increase in bird deaths, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery or green diarrhea, lack of energy, poor appetite, drop in egg production, swelling around the eyes, neck, and head, and purple discoloration of wattles, combs, and legs to the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or ctstate.vet@ct.gov.

You can also learn more by visiting the Connecticut Department of Public Health's pandemic flu webpage or visit the USDA’s Bird Flu website. APHIS has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-in....

Avian influenza does not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses.