A veterinarian with the USDA says highly pathogenic avian influenza detections continue to occur across the Midwest.
Dr. Chelsey Shivley, acting critical issues manager for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, says the virus is transmitted in a number of ways.
“Including directly through bird-to-bird contact, indirectly through droppings and untreated surface water such as ponds,” she said. “Or it can be spread by people, so through farm equipment, vehicles, dirty boots and clothing.”
She tells Brownfield cases are expected to pick up steam this spring as more wild birds migrate north. She advises poultry producers to watch for certain HPAI symptoms in their flocks.
“Often HPAI is associated with sudden death,” Shivley said. “But we do sometimes see other signs of illness before that including neurological signs, decreased feed and water intake, or decreased egg production.”
Shivley says if producers suspect avian influenza within their flocks, they should immediately contact both their local veterinarian and their state veterinarian’s office.
