Biosecurity Alert: Avian Influenza in Commercial Poultry - March 4th, 2022

Poultry producers and hobbyists should be aware that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in commercial poultry flocks, small/backyard hobby flocks, and in migratory birds in the United States. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported 303 H5N1 HPAI positive wild birds in several states across the East coast. In addition, nine states (Missouri, Indiana, Connecticut, Iowa, New York, Michigan, Maine, Delaware, and Kentucky) have confirmed H5N1 HPAI in commercial and backyard flocks. The most recent HPAI outbreak (March 3^rd, 2022) was confirmed on a farm of commercial broiler chickens in Stoddard County, Missouri.

It is critical that all poultry owners, regardless of flock size, take appropriate biosecurity precautions. Now is the time to revisit your biosecurity plan. If you do not have a biosecurity plan, it’s not too late to start. Preventing the introduction and spread of this devastating disease is essential. While you are working on your biosecurity plan, here are a few key biosecurity practices to implement immediately:

• Keep your poultry away from other birds.
• Immediately clean up feed spills to discourage wild birds on your premises.
• Limit visitors to only those essential for business. Make sure all visitors follow your biosecurity plan.
• Wear dedicated footwear and clothing while servicing your poultry. Sanitize boots, hands, and tools before entering your flock premises.
• Do not visit other premises with birds. However, if it is necessary to do so, shower and change clothes and shoes before returning to your flock.
• Do not share tools and equipment with other bird owners.

If you need assistance developing a biosecurity plan, you can visit Penn State Extension’s Avian Influenza webpage. To stay informed of the avian influenza situation in the US you can visit the USDA APHIS avian influenza webpage. Finally, if you suspect your flock has been exposed to the HPAI virus, please call the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.