Marshall County Health Department informs public on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

As part of the Marshall County Health Department’s ongoing efforts to protect the health of chicken flocks and the broader poultry industry, they shared some vital information and guidance regarding High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a serious threat to poultry populations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has provided important information and measures that all poultry producers should follow to prevent the introduction and spread of HPAI.

HPAI is a highly infectious and fatal form of avian influenza that can strike poultry without warning. Although most avian influenza viruses are classified as low pathogenic (LPAI) and cause mild or no symptoms, some LPAI strains can mutate into HPAI viruses. Wild migratory waterfowl are considered the natural reservoir for these viruses.

HPAI can cause sudden death in birds without warning. Other clinical signs include:

• Lack of energy and appetite
• Decreased egg production, including soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
• Purple discoloration of combs, wattles, and legs
• Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing
• Incoordination and diarrhea

Even if you have a small home flock of chickens and notice any of these signs in your flock, immediately contact the USDA APHIS at 1-866-536-7593 for assistance and further steps. Visit www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources  for more information.

To minimize the risk of HPAI, poultry farmers are urge you to adopt these critical biosecurity practices:

1. Limit Exposure to Wild Birds
   Prevent your poultry from coming into contact with wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl. Avoid water sources that may be contaminated.
2. Control Access to Your Farm
   Permit only essential workers and vehicles on your farm. Clean and disinfect all equipment and vehicles entering or leaving your premises, including tires and undercarriages.
3. Practice All-In, All-Out Management
   Adhere to a strict "all-in, all-out" philosophy to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between different flocks.
4. Limit Equipment Sharing
   Avoid lending or borrowing equipment from other farms. If visiting other poultry operations, change clothing and footwear before working with your own flock.
5. Maintain Clean Facilities
   Keep your barn, equipment, and vehicles clean and disinfected. This is especially important for vehicles used to transport birds.
6. At Live-Bird Markets
   Follow heightened biosecurity measures in live-bird markets, including using plastic crates for easier cleaning, disinfecting all equipment, and keeping incoming poultry separate from unsold birds.
7. Report Suspicious Illnesses
   If you suspect any signs of HPAI in your birds, do not hesitate to call the USDA Veterinary Services office at 1-866-536-7593 for immediate advice and support.

The Marshall County Health Department also encourages individuals to register their farm and home flocks with the Premises Identification Program. Registering for a premises ID is an essential step for traceability, ensuring that authorities can quickly locate and manage affected farms in the event of a disease outbreak. This is a vital biosecurity measure to help control the spread of HPAI and other diseases.

For more information on registering for a Premises ID, please visit the following website: Premises ID Registration.

The USDA and state veterinarians conduct regular surveillance and investigations to identify potential outbreaks and prevent the spread of HPAI. These efforts include quarantine measures, disease control protocols, and collaboration with the poultry industry to enhance monitoring at breeding flocks, live-bird markets, and slaughter plants.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at:  https://www.in.gov/boah/species-information/avianbirds/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/. Users may subscribe to email and/or text updates on a subscribe link at that page.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the health and safety of your poultry. By taking these steps and staying vigilant, we can all work together to protect our flocks from the threat of HPAI. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

For more information please contact Marshall County Purdue Extension and Brieanna Slonaker, Ag and Natural Resource Educator, at 574-935-8545 or brieanna@purdue.edu.