A third, small Indiana poultry flock has tested positive for the H5 avian influenza (AI) virus. With this diagnosis, veterinarians with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) are seeing a pattern of infection that poultry owners may be able to control.
According to Indiana State Veterinarian Dr. Bret D. Marsh, the common factor for all three flocks is the ducks.
"These three small flocks were comprised of a mix of poultry species, including ducks and chickens," Dr. Marsh explains. "In all three cases, the ducks were free-ranging and had known, direct contact with wild ducks--usually on a pond on the property."
Wild waterfowl are known harbingers of avian influenza. They can become infected and shed the virus without being noticeably ill or dying. Migratory birds have played a major role in spreading the virus across 36 states. Nationally, surveillance testing has identified the H5N1 virus in many wild species, including Canada geese, swans, mallards, teals, gulls, herons, and several varieties of ducks.
Dr. Marsh notes the end of the spring migration does not mean the end of the AI threat.
"The flyway birds have moved on, but the virus is still present here in the resident wild bird population," he says. "Interaction between these wild birds and the domestic ducks and other free-range poultry is an easy pathway to an infected flock."
He advises small flock owners make every effort to keep their domestic poultry confined so they cannot make contact with their wild counterparts, including mating. This biosecurity practice could be a challenge--especially when open ponds and streams are on the property. Open water is a welcome mat that attracts wild birds. Waterfowl owners should consider fencing or enclosed housing with small wading pools as an alternative to the risk of letting ducks and geese wander.
In addition to keeping poultry safely housed in a barn or fenced enclosure, owners should watch the flock closely for signs of illness, then report those concerns to a veterinarian. Individuals who do not have a veterinarian may report to the Healthy Birds Hotline at: 866-536-7593 or online to BOAH at: https://www.in.gov/boah/species-information/avianbirds/small-flock-and-exhibition-poultry/sick-andor-dead-poultry-questionnaire/
Birds affected with AI may show one or more of the following signs:
- Sudden death without clinical signs;
- Lack of energy and appetite;
- Decreased egg production;
- Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs;
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks;
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs;
- Nasal discharge;
- Coughing, sneezing;
- Incoordination;
- Diarrhea.
Hoosiers can also report dead wild birds (five or more) to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at 317-233-3293.
Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat.
Categories: Indiana, Energy, Livestock, Poultry