Updates, April 8, 2022:
- A recording of the HPAI webinar for backyard flock owners is available on YouTube.
- The Colorado Department of Agriculture has created a situational report webpage with a map of counties with infected wild or domestic birds.
Avian influenza is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect all birds, including poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, guinea fowl and quail) and domestic and wild waterfowl. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus strains are extremely infectious, often fatal to chickens and turkeys, and can spread rapidly from flock-to-flock.
With the recent detections (since February 2022) of the Eurasian H5 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and domestic poultry in the United States, bird owners should review their biosecurity practices and stay vigilant to protect poultry and pet birds from this disease. HPAI has a very high mortality rate and birds infected with this virus typically do not survive. Vaccines for HPAI are not readily available.
After the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed detection of HPAI in wild birds in Sedgwick County, the Colorado Agricultural Commission approved an emergency rule suspending all poultry shows, including meets, sales, swaps, and competitions, beginning March 30 and lasting 90 days.
In 2022, avian influenza has been detected in wild bird species across 31 states. Additionally, there have been detections in backyard and commercial poultry premises impacting more than 45 million poultry and birds (detections as of April 4, 2022). The USDA tracks all HPAI cases on their website.
“Commingling of birds presents a high risk of disease introduction and transmission, and the Department of Agriculture is temporarily suspending all poultry events in our state to help minimize the possibility of highly pathogenic avian influenza affecting backyard and commercial poultry,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin in a press release announcing the emergency rule.
“Colorado poultry owners should immediately increase their biosecurity protocols to protect their flocks, including limiting exposure of domestic birds to wild birds and other poultry flocks and limiting introduction of new birds into flocks.”
Join HPAI webinar to learn more
On April 6 from 5-7 p.m. MDT, the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office and the CSU Avian Health Team will host a webinar with updates on HPAI.
Topics will include:
- HPAI: What is this virus?
- Testing for the disease
- National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)
- Biosecurity and preventing disease introduction
- Case Investigation Process
- National HPAI Outbreak Situation update
- Fairs, Shows, Sales and Exhibitions Emergency Rule
Register in advance. This webinar will be live in English, Spanish and ASL
Signs of Avian Influenza
- Extreme depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Decrease in feed or water intake
- Swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle, and hocks
- Decrease in egg production
- Sudden unexplained death
How is Avian Influenza transmitted?
- Foot traffic
- Secretions from the bird
- Contact with infected droppings
- Movement of sick birds
- Contaminated clothing and equipment
Protect your small flock from Avian Influenza
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has expanded its Defend the Flock program to educate all poultry growers about best practices in biosecurity. Please visit the site for more information on how to protect your flock and for the latest information on HPAI in the U.S.
Call your veterinarian if your flock shows signs of influenza or you suspect exposure.
No vet? You can also call:
- CSU Avian Health Hotline: 970-297-4008
- Colorado State Veterinarian Office: 303-869-9130
- USDA Bird Hotline: 1-866-536-7593
Bird owners seeking more resources, like biosecurity plans, signage, and webinars, can visit the Defend the Flock website from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) or visit PoultryBiosecurity.org.
