INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[ellymayRans]

Just saw this posted elsewhere and thought I would share. (Apologies to @kittydoc, I know you're the one that usually makes these posts.)



USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in Kentucky
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 04/28/2015 02:10 PM EDT



CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low



WASHINGTON, April 28, 2015 -- The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in two wild birds, a goose and a duck, in McCracken County, Kentucky. These birds were found within the Mississippi flyway where this strain of avian influenza has previously been identified. CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low. No human infections with the virus have been detected at this time.

The samples, taken from dead birds, were tested by the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia and confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. NVSL is the only internationally recognized AI reference laboratory in the United States. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.


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Full Article: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/bulletins/10192a7



The birds were apparently found dead in McCracken County, which borders Illinois. Still, way too close to home for some of you here. I'm printing some house rules for making contact with my hens that I will be strictly enforcing here and posting on all doors as a reminder, though we are largely biosecure as is. I think if it shows up much closer, the girls will be living inside their coop or the garage for a while... Such a shame when we're just getting some nice days and gradually warmer temps.






So I have a few questions!

1. Those of you that use Oxine, how much do you dilute it from its bottled form? How long must you wait after spraying it, if at all, to let birds into an area? Is it safe to be used around food and water sources? How do you use it for disinfecting clothes and shoes, besides having boot baths? I was thinking of keeping some diluted in a spray bottle to use, but I'm not sure how safe that would be, mainly if it gets in someone's eyes or something..?

2. Does anyone happen to know what symptoms Guinea fowl exhibit when infected? I'm keeping an eye out for any symptoms whatsoever in my birds, but I have no idea of what to look for in the Guineas. They are probably the least likely to be exposed to wild birds because they are in a fully enclosed aviary with a solid roof, but I want to know what to look for just to be safe.

3. And any suggestions for deterring wild birds? I'm mostly unconcerned because I don't often see wild birds in the chicken yard, just the occasional flyover. However, a female cowbird has recently taken up attacking her reflection in our windows, and she likes to perch on the netting over the duck yard between her attacks. I would rather not have to use deadly force, but will if there are no other suggestions.


Thanks in advance for any replies.

I didn't think the "wild bird" meant your typical robin, sparrow. .etc..but actual wild waterfowl. As expressed in the literature you posted referencing duck and goose.

If that's the case then I would expect it to be much worse.

I however have only read what has been shared here. I don't have the cycles to take the types of measures to be penning my entire flock and will just have to hope it passes with us being spared!

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Yes, the wild birds mentioned in the article that tested positive were waterfowl. However, there was discussion before of robins, sparrows, and the like possibly catching it as well. I personally do not want to take chances with ANY wild birds getting near my girls. I'm probably getting way too paranoid about it, but I don't think I could handle losing my beloved girls. :/

 

[kabhyper1]

Is it some form of inception when you get a lot of ovations for your post about getting a lot of ovations?

 

[kabhyper1]

Pip'd how's the little guy doing?

 

[SallyinIndiana]

Yes, the wild birds mentioned in the article that tested positive were waterfowl. However, there was discussion before of robins, sparrows, and the like possibly catching it as well. I personally do not want to take chances with ANY wild birds getting near my girls. I'm probably getting way too paranoid about it, but I don't think I could handle losing my beloved girls.

I have found that noise scares the little birds even more so than the hawks so talk radio is one method of keeping birds from landing. Another is a kite or flag that makes noise like a crinkle or wadding up of paper sound. There is always the fake owl. BUT and this would be overboard I think, I saw a life sized cement eagle statue the other day. I so want to get me 2 or 3 of them and put them on some kind of spinning platform with a random recording of an eagle sound being played from them. Still money presents itself and I can only imagine the response from my neighbors should I even get one spinning noise making eagle set up.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Pip'd how's the little guy doing?

Just as spunky as ever, and really determined to show me how impressive he is with his manly crowing and wing beating. I've tentatively been calling him Reuben. He looks like a Reuben to me... Maybe just Ben.

I have found that noise scares the little birds even more so than the hawks so talk radio is one method of keeping birds from landing.  Another is a kite or flag that makes noise like a crinkle or wadding up of paper sound.  There is always the fake owl.  BUT and this would be overboard I think, I saw a life sized cement eagle statue the other day.  I so want to get me 2 or 3 of them and put them on some kind of spinning platform with a random recording of an eagle sound being played from them. Still money presents itself and I can only imagine the response from my neighbors should I even get one spinning noise making eagle set up.

Oh, wow, that's a picture! Thanks for the suggestions! I tried putting feed bags up over the netting where the cowbird kept landing, but she's now landing next to the feed bag rather than on it. Next step, I think, is a feed bag flag or maybe strips of some sort that will move in the wind.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: I have that same issue, how can you confine them? Totally agree. I downsized drastically the last 2 weeks, oldest DD has moved to OH and took a large number of our chicken flock with her. She has 2 large coops and they will be confined full time. I am cutting down especially on the mixed breeds, some older birds and staying with my favorites for now. This scare has me even more intent on confining, but my muscovy are fully flighted birds, as well as the guinea. Some of these guys, especially the youngest scovies have had full free range since they were born! Its almost cruel to confine them, but at this point some of them will be. All of them, not possible, some of my scovies are almost wild, and feel it would be wrong for me to do.

 

[chicknmania]

Oxine: 6.5 ounces of actitvated Oxine, to one gallon of water. But really...if the these big factory farms can't keep the virus out, how can we? We are going to try to keep our birds in, but I think it's pointless, really....symptoms of this strain are mostly respiratory, from what I've read. And kills quickly.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I got the email too guys, way to go everyone

just shows you what an awesome supportive group we have!

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Oxine: 6.5 ounces of actitvated Oxine, to one gallon of water. But really...if the these big factory farms can't keep the virus out, how can we? We are going to try to keep our birds in, but I think it's pointless, really....symptoms of this strain are mostly respiratory, from what I've read. And kills quickly.

I have been reading a ton on it, and some reports are discussing dust particles carrying it too, via the respiratory system.
Come on chickens, wear a mask and hold your breath, ugh

its got me concerned.