Stay Informed on the Spread of HPAI
The United States: A Battle on Multiple Fronts
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) have been at the forefront of monitoring and responding to HPAI. In the past 30 days alone, 90 new cases have been reported in 21 different states. This widespread occurrence highlights the need for continuous vigilance and coordinated efforts.
States like Alaska, with Matanuska Susitna County reporting 110 WOAH (World Organization of Animal Health) non-poultry bird cases, and Arizona, having significant numbers in Maricopa and Pinal counties, show the diverse nature of the outbreak. California also faces a substantial impact, with numerous counties reporting large numbers of affected birds across different categories such as commercial table egg layer birds and commercial turkey meat birds.
Other States and Their Challenges
Colorado, with La Plata, Pitkin, and Weld counties reporting WOAH non-poultry bird cases, and Hawaii with Honolulu County affected, demonstrate that HPAI is not limited to specific regions. Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington - each state has its own set of challenges and affected areas. For example, in Missouri, various counties have reported different numbers of commercial broiler breeders and WOAH poultry birds affected.
Montana's Cascade, Flathead, Glacier, Missoula, Park, Sweet Grass, and Wheatland counties all have their share of WOAH non-poultry bird and poultry cases. Nebraska's Nemaha County has a significant number of commercial turkey breeder hens affected, while North Dakota's Bottineau, McHenry, and Ransom counties also face challenges with commercial turkey and poultry birds.
What Producers Can Do
USDA emphasizes the importance of biosecurity for all poultry producers, from small backyard operations to large commercial ones. Reviewing biosecurity activities is crucial to ensure the health of birds. APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials on joint incident responses, quarantining affected premises and depopulating birds to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from affected flocks will not enter the food system.
Recognizing the signs of avian influenza is also essential. These include birds dying without clinical signs, lack of energy, decreased egg production, soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, swelling or purple discoloration of certain body parts, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, incoordination, and diarrhea. USDA provides a resource with images to help identify these discoloration and other clinical signs.
If farmers suspect a bird has passed away due to avian influenza, state officials encourage them to double bag the bird and refrigerate it for testing. It's important to note that avian influenza is not a foodborne illness and does not pose a food-safety risk.