{"id":15576,"date":"2015-06-03T10:16:20","date_gmt":"2015-06-03T14:16:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/?page_id=15576"},"modified":"2024-05-22T13:01:38","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T17:01:38","slug":"2109e","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2109e\/","title":{"rendered":"Bulletin #2109, Avian Influenza and Backyard Poultry (March 2022)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/em>By Anne Lichtenwalner, DVM, PhD, University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by Beth Calder, Extension Food Science Specialist and Professor of Food Science and by Michele Walsh DVM and Carolyn Hurwitz DVM, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry<\/em>
<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong>
Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Avian Influenza?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Avian Influenza (AI) is a contagious type A influenza (\u201cflu\u201d) virus of birds that occurs worldwide and is not uncommon in wild birds of many types. Some strains of AI can mutate and are capable of affecting other animal species and occasionally people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Avian Influenza (AI) a threat to Maine?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A strain of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been found in the Northeast United States and Canada during 2022 in wild birds (primarily waterfowl). Since late February 2022, there have been multiple detections of HPAI in North America in both backyard and commercial birds, including backyard birds in Maine. This situation is changing rapidly. PLEASE CHECK THE USDA WEBSITE<\/a> FOR UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What kinds of Avian Influenza are there?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many types of AI, but in general, we refer to them as low (LPAI) or highly pathogenic (HPAI) AI. Although LPAI typically causes less severe disease than does HPAI, certain types of LPAI (H5 and H7 viruses) are likely to mutate as they infect new hosts. These changes may create a more pathogenic strain (HPAI), so even LPAI is of concern. HPAI can cause serious disease and\/or rapid death in susceptible birds. Avian influenza is described by specific types of proteins: the hemagglutinin (H) type, and the neuraminidase (N) type. If a strain of AI has either the H5 or H7 type of protein, it\u2019s considered HPAI and is watched carefully. If HPAI is found, it must be reported to the state and USDA regional veterinarians, who then respond to contain the spread of this disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is Avian Influenza spread?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a flu virus, AI replicates in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, so it is spread via respiratory droplets, saliva, mucus, and manure. It may also be capable of airborne spread if conditions allow (for instance, when very high amounts of virus are being produced). Contaminated surfaces, feed, water, environments, and items such as tools or workers\u2019 boots can also spread the disease. Influenza viruses can survive for extended periods of time in cool, moist environments like wet bedding, manure, and mud. Regular sanitation and disinfection practices can help prevent spread of AI via this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can people get Avian Influenza?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some strains of AI can be transmissible to people. The strain of H5N1 currently seen in the Northeast does not at this time seem to spread to people.<\/em> However, because influenza viruses can mutate to become more pathogenic, it\u2019s still necessary to take protective measures to prevent human exposure to this virus. Wear PPE such as disposable gloves and wash your hands after handling sick or dead birds.<\/strong> Public health agencies continually monitor for avian influenza viruses and you can find more information about human health risks (including guidance on poultry meat and eggs) at Information on Avian Influenza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, never eat birds that appear sick, and always prepare poultry following the USDA preparation and cooking guidelines<\/a> (cooking to an internal temperature of 165\u00b0F or higher).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can other animals get Avian Influenza?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rarely, animals such as marine mammals, farmed mink, ferrets, dogs, and cats have been reported to be susceptible to some strains of AI. Swine are susceptible to both human and avian flu, creating a possibility of mutated flu that might put people more at risk. Co-housing pigs and poultry is not encouraged due to this risk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a small flock owner, how would I know if my birds have Avian Influenza?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

AI is something to keep in mind, should you notice respiratory disease in birds, but it\u2019s not the only cause of respiratory symptoms or diarrhea in birds. There are several forms of influenza (AI) that can affect poultry: relatively non-pathogenic (low path AI; LPAI) and the more dangerous form (high path AI; HPAI). If you see severe illness and sudden death losses in your flock, you should call the regional USDA hotline: 866.536.7593<\/strong>, and also let your farm vet know. If your flock is experiencing losses, but you doubt that they are due to HPAI, then you should have a necropsy conducted; the University of Maine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory<\/a> can assist farmers in our region. As well, now is a great time to review your poultry management to ensure the safety of your birds; we call this biosecurity. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is biosecurity?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Good biosecurity keeps germs away from chickens, and enhances their natural immunity via good nutrition, hygiene, and environment. A balanced diet and plentiful water, good fencing, clean coops\/hen houses, hand washing\/boot cleaning before and after handling birds, and quarantine for new or re-entering birds to a flock are examples of biosecurity for any flock. For instance, Mexico\u2019s poultry industry has been severely affected by AI since 2012, and some potential factors for the recurrent outbreaks of AI include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n