Avian Flu: Not Currently in Maine, but Still in the Neighborhood and Beyond
Submitted by Anne Lichtenwalner, University of Maine Associate Professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Director of the UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) swept into Maine this spring, but due to the efforts of our animal health teams and to the sacrifices of poultry owners, it is not here at the moment. However, Vermont just had its first case, and at least 28 other states (including Alaska) have experienced HPAI this spring.
Here’s a link to a recent update: USDA takes action to ensure rapid response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (Morning Ag Clips).
However, if you just want to get to the most important info, read this:
“Biosecurity is critical for all bird owners. We encourage bird owners to work to ensure domestic birds do not come into contact with wild birds and keep poultry confined inside during this high-risk period of migratory bird activity. We also encourage bird owners to limit traffic on and off their farms and use personal protective equipment and disinfection when caring for birds to avoid introducing HPAI.
APHIS has a variety of biosecurity resources available on the Defend the Flock – Resource Center page (USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). More information about the 2022 HPAI outbreak may be found on the 2022 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). Resources for bird owners and more information about the HPAI response process may be found on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).
— May 2, 2022