Avian Flu H5N2

[N F C]

The past couple of days I've been seeing news about this strain of avian flu. So far, there are now 4 states where it has been found: Minnesota, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

What symptoms do birds show when they get this? The news stories I've read relate more to how it impacts the humans that come in contact with infected birds.

This is the latest news I've read about it: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/bird-flu-strain-poultry-farmers-scrambling-29636088

Have any of you had to deal with this in your backyard flocks?

 

[HumbleHen207]

Trouble breathing, seizures, and sudden death are some of the symptoms. It is something to keep in mind when owning a backyards flock, especially around migration times. Cutting free range access and ceasing to feed wild birds are probably two of the best things you can do to cut back your risk. Its not something to get too worried about at the moment, just something to keep in the back of ones mind.

 

[N F C]

Trouble breathing, seizures, and sudden death are some of the symptoms. It is something to keep in mind when owning a backyards flock, especially around migration times. Cutting free range access and ceasing to feed wild birds are probably two of the best things you can do to cut back your risk. Its not something to get too worried about at the moment, just something to keep in the back of ones mind.

Thank you for the info. I'm not too worried about our flock but want to be aware of what to look for.

 

[HumbleHen207]

Any suspicions can be reported to your state poultry coordinator. They can come and do a simple nasal swab to test for the disease.

 

[N F C]

Good to know. Thanks @HumbleHen207 .

 

[ivan3]

Just some additional info: First three episodes occurred in commercial turkey Grow Out facilities (MN/AR/MO). The Kansas episode, if info. is correct, occurred in a mixed backyard flock (poultry/waterfowl), this is somewhat more worrisome.

Map of KS quarantine zone: http://fox4kc.com/2015/03/16/quaran...ounties-following-confirmed-case-of-bird-flu/

Good for vetted info: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2015/03/kansas-latest-state-face-h5n2

 

[N F C]

Just some additional info: First three episodes occurred in commercial turkey Grow Out facilities (MN/AR/MO). The Kansas episode, if info. is correct, occurred in a mixed backyard flock (poultry/waterfowl), this is somewhat more worrisome.

Map of KS quarantine zone: http://fox4kc.com/2015/03/16/quaran...ounties-following-confirmed-case-of-bird-flu/

Good for vetted info: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2015/03/kansas-latest-state-face-h5n2

Thanks for the links @ivan3 . It is concerning but I'm not panicking, I just want to be aware of things like this.

The snow geese that died flying over Idaho, it was reported avian cholera was suspected. That's not the same as the avian flu, right? Here's a link about the geese if you would like to see it:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/17/us-usa-idaho-dead-geese-idUSKBN0MD09620150317

 

[ivan3]

Just some additional info: First three episodes occurred in commercial turkey Grow Out facilities (MN/AR/MO). The Kansas episode, if info. is correct, occurred in a mixed backyard flock (poultry/waterfowl), this is somewhat more worrisome.


Map of KS quarantine zone: http://fox4kc.com/2015/03/16/quaran...ounties-following-confirmed-case-of-bird-flu/


Good for vetted info: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2015/03/kansas-latest-state-face-h5n2

Thanks for the links @ivan3
. It is concerning but I'm not panicking, I just want to be aware of things like this.

The snow geese that died flying over Idaho, it was reported avian cholera was suspected. That's not the same as the avian flu, right? Here's a link about the geese if you would like to see it:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/17/us-usa-idaho-dead-geese-idUSKBN0MD09620150317

No, the Cholera is bacterial: http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/field_manual/chapter_7.pdf

The Idaho incident with the H5N2 was limited and quarantine was lifted.
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/media/viewNewsRelease.cfm?newsID=7470

Quarantine Process info. (length of time testing etc): http://www.idahoag.us/Categories/Animals/Documents/HPAI Order Releasing Quarantine Zone 2-10-15.pdf

Just good general overview for backyarders: http://www.kansasagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=255&yr=2015

Still interested in how the virus got into the commercial "system" (turkey indoor "grow-outs").

 

[N F C]

Thank you for the information.

 

[Drea07]

I'm in Minnesota. As of this morning 9 turkey farms have tested positive and are losing their entire flocks. The U of M is reporting that they are expecting it to get worse with the spring migration as it gets warmer.
I just got my chicks and duckies a week ago, and I am worried because I have a flock of around 30 wild turkey's that wander through my property.