Avian Flu Surge Spurs Biosecurity Alerts for Poultry Farms
Veterinary professionals are calling on both large-scale poultry operations and backyard flock owners to tighten biosecurity practices as avian influenza cases increase during the spring migration period. The seasonal movement of wild birds continues to play a major role in spreading the virus, raising concerns across the poultry industry.
Recent federal reports indicate that Wisconsin, for example, has recorded the second-highest number of affected birds in the past month, with Ohio reporting the highest. Across the United States, more than 14.3 million birds in 84 flocks have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza. Experts point to migrating wild birds as the primary source of exposure.
“With the increased exposure, we do see an uptick or increase in cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza,” said Alan Huddleston of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. “This spring, we are seeing that same pattern as we have seen since the outbreak first began.”
Since the current strain emerged in 2022, the outbreak has impacted nearly 200 million birds across more than 2,100 flocks nationwide, making it the largest event of its kind in U.S. history.
“We’re definitely entering a period of increased concern, where we’re concerned that the risk from wild birds sharing this virus with domestic birds is higher than it was in the previous months,” said Heather Roney of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Officials emphasize that strong sanitation, limited exposure, and close monitoring remain critical, especially as the virus continues circulating in wild bird populations.
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