Avian Influenza and Broilers Raised in Moveable Pens

[CedarLane]

I have a question about avian influenza. How would / could that affect broilers raised in moveable pens (usually moved daily)? Last year we raised broilers for someone and were planning to do it again this year. It's making me a little nervous. Our layers are completely closed in so I'm not too worried about them. I think the broilers do so much better outside in moveable pens than they do in an enclosed chicken house. Their legs seem stronger.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The bulk of HPAI infections come from migratory birds. That could be from their droppings as they fly over or roost. Then from there, the virus can be tracked into even closed building by workers.
So, I would say any of your birds could potentially become infected.
Are you located in any of the major flyways?

 

[iwltfum]

*could* happen, but the evidence would seem to indicate that it is still manageable and one is still able to mitigate risk of infection. The fact that the broilers water and feed are not (or should not be) accessible by wild birds is a big help. Risk of infection decreases very quickly once fecal matter touches soil unless the migratory birds have bedded down in big numbers leaving a soild layer of poop - it could be a risk to move the pasture pens over that layer of poop, but that would be the case even if you weren't looking at hpia as a factor.

 

[CedarLane]

The bulk of HPAI infections come from migratory birds. That could be from their droppings as they fly over or roost. Then from there, the virus can be tracked into even closed building by workers.
So, I would say any of your birds could potentially become infected.
Are you located in any of the major flyways?

Not sure if I'm in a major flyway. I know we have geese fly over occasionally, as well as Turkey Vultures. Other than that only the common backyard birds. I'm going to miss feeding the Orioles and Hummingbirds this year. They are so pretty and interesting to watch especially when they bring their babies.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Over half of North Americans are in one of the flyways. I'm in the Mississippi flyway.

 

[CedarLane]

Over half of North Americans are in one of the flyways. I'm in the Mississippi flyway.

View attachment 3020791

Thank you. It was interesting to look at that map. Looks like we are definitely in one of the flyways. I'll need to discuss this with DH.