Avian influenza is a disease caused by viruses
that can
infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks,
geese, and guinea fowl) and wild birds. Avian influenza is further categorized based
on the ability of the virus to produce disease in domestic poultry:
- Highly
pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus strains are extremely infectious,
often fatal to poultry, and can spread rapidly. HPAI can circulate freely in wild birds
without sign of illness and infect domestic poultry causing severe and fatal
illness. Some species of wild birds, such as raptors, also experience high
mortality rates.
- Low
pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus strains occur naturally in wild
migratory waterfowl and shorebirds without causing illness. LPAI can infect
domestic poultry, creating little or no signs of illness.
HPAI detections
The current HPAI strain has been detected in both wild birds and commercial and backyard flocks in the U.S. As of July 8, 2022, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories, in coordination with the NDA, have confirmed the first case of HPAI in a backyard (non-commercial) flock of domestic birds in Nevada.
Any birds found to be sick should be immediately
quarantined and reported to the USDA at (866) 536-7593 or the NDA by emailing
NDA State Veterinarian at pmundschenk@agri.nv.gov.
Three or more wild bird mortalities should be reported to the
Nevada Department of Wildlife at (775) 688-1500 or nate.lahue@ndow.org.
Biosecurity recommendations
- Wash hands before and after coming in contact with birds.
- Limit the number of people that come into
contact with your flock to those necessary for
their care.
- Use personal protective equipment such as shoe covers,
gloves, hair and clothing covers.
- Clean and disinfect equipment before and after each use.
- Do not share tools or supplies between flocks.
- Flocks should be housed in enclosures that prevent any
exposure to wild birds or waterfowl, such as barns or similar covered, secure
areas.
- Avoid attracting wild birds and waterfowl by securing feed
and not using wild bird feeders on or near the premises.
- Quarantine new birds or birds returning to the flock for 30
days before (re)introduction.
- Quarantine sick birds immediately and report to the USDA
at (866) 536-7593 or the NDA State Veterinarian at pmundschenk@agri.nv.gov.
Read more about biosecurity practices to protect
against HPAI at USDA Defend
the Flock.
Human health and safety
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), these avian influenza detections do not present an immediate
public health concern. As of April 21, 2022, no human cases of these avian
influenza viruses have been detected in the U.S.
Consumers are still encouraged to practice proper food
safety handling, including washing hands before and after handling poultry or
eggs, and cooking them to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F to kill bacteria
and viruses.
State Veterinarian advice for fairs, bird shows and events
With the detection of HPAI in Nevada and the need to practice strict biosecurity to prevent further infection and spread, the NDA recommends the suspension of poultry shows, events, and exhibitions. It is critical that bird owners limit the exposure of their flocks to wild birds and other domestic flocks, to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. Flock owners should also limit the introduction of new birds into their flocks. The NDA encourages event organizers to consider the absence of birds as an opportunity to educate the public about avian influenza, considerations for bird welfare, and biosecurity measures through exhibitor posters, displays or virtual shows.