Here is a PDF file from Washington state department of agriculture detailing ways to protect your flock from avian flu.
January 20, 2015
Washington State Department of Agriculture – Avian Health Program AVIAN INFLUENZA INFORMATION SHEET
Protecting you and your farm
from avian influenza
FAST FACTS:
The presence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in wild birds and backyard domestic poultry in Washington State.
An emergency rule is in place in the affected counties establishing quarantine zones and restricting movement of poultry and poultry products. Visit
www.agr.wa.gov/lawsrules/rulemaking for the complete quarantine rule and a detailed map.
Although avian influenza is a highly contagious disease to domestic poultry, there are no apparent risks to human health from domestic poultry or domestic poultry products at this time.
It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry products, including meat and eggs.
Protect your flock by practicing good biosecurity:
o Sanitize equipment and clothing used around them;
o
Protect them from contact with wild birds; and
o Control access to their pens.
Monitor your birds closely and contact your veterinarian and WSDA immediately if you suspect illness.
January 20, 2015
Background:
In December, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed on farms in British Columbia, Canada. HPAI was detected in wild birds in Whatcom County as a result of heightened surveillance following the Canadian outbreak in British Columbia. Two separate virus strains were identified: H5N2 in a northern pintail duck and H5N8 in a captive gyrfalcon that was fed wild waterfowl.
HPAI H5N2 has since been identified in backyard poultry flocks in Washington State. The infected flocks have been humanely euthanized. A quarantine order is currently in place in areas surrounding the infected flock to restrict the movement of poultry and poultry products by order of WSDA.
State and federal agencies are conducting outreach in the affected areas aimed at backyard bird owners. Owners are encouraged to practice good biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of spreading the disease by preventing contact between their birds and wild waterfowl.
About Avian Influenza:
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease of chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and many wild birds. It can often be carried in wild waterfowl without symptoms. Direct contact with infected birds, contaminated objects/equipment, and aerosol (short distances) can spread the virus which is found in feces, saliva, and respiratory secretions.
The many different strains of the avian influenza virus are broadly categorized into low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI), based on how severely ill the virus makes chickens. HPAI causes the greatest number of deaths in domesticated poultry.
Poultry affected by avian influenza can show many symptoms, including:
Decreased food consumption, huddling, depression, closed eyes.
Respiratory signs, such as coughing and sneezing.
Decreased egg production, watery greenish diarrhea, excessive thirst.
Swollen wattles and combs.
High mortality and sudden death.
The avian influenza strains currently detected in Washington cause no apparent human health concerns. No one in the U.S. has become ill from an infected bird. Avian influenza has been found in other parts of the world, where there have been some cases of human illness from coming in contact with infected birds. It is safe to eat properly prepared poultry products, including meat and eggs.
Biosecurity Measures:
Limit, monitor, and record any movement of people, vehicles, or animals on or off your farm.
Keep your flock away from wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
Isolate any ill animals and contact your veterinarian and WSDA.
If contact with sick birds is necessary, wear protective clothing (disposable gloves, mask, coveralls, and boots).
Wash and disinfect items going on and off your farm, such as footwear, vehicles and equipment.
Who can I contact?
If you see sickness in birds, please contact
WSDA Avian Health Program at 1-800-606-3056.
If you are concerned because you or your family member becomes sick, please contact
Washington State Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127.
More Information:
Poultry Manual: Cleaning and Disinfection of Facilities, Equipment, and Vehicles -
www.cfsph.iastate.edu/pdf/fad-prep-nahems-poultry-industry-manual
USDA Biosecurity Guide for Poultry and Bird Owners -
www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/2014/pub_bioguide_poultry_bird.pdf
USDA Biosecurity -
www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/
