Biosecurity Alert: Avian Influenza in Commercial Poultry- May 24th, 2022

May 25, 2022

By GINO LORENZONI

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 1,190 H5N1 HPAI positive wild birds in all states across the East coast. In addition, thirty-five states (Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) have confirmed H5N1 HPAI in commercial and backyard flocks. The most recent HPAI outbreak (May 22, 2022) was confirmed on a turkey farm in Dakota County, Minnesota. In Pennsylvania, HPAI has been detected in commercial poultry in Lancaster and Berks Counties.

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.

Source : psu.edu

Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.