HPAI losses pass 38 million birds

This story will be continually updated as new commercial and backyard cases are reported to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

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The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported four additional cases. The flocks have been depopulated.

The affected counties are:

• Idaho
  • Ada County
    • 7 backyard producers
• Minnesota
  • Dakota County
    • 57,000 commercial turkeys
  • Polk County
    • 50 backyard producers
• Wyoming
  • Campbell County
    • 30 backyard producers

A total of 57,077 birds were affected. 

• READ MORE: How to control the avian flu outbreak

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds, says the USDA. The department has a list of tools producers can use to help with biosecurity measures.

APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials on joint incident responses. State officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flocks will not enter the food system.   

To date, more than 38.01 million reported birds have been affected by HPAI.

Signs of avian influenza include: birds dying without clinical signs; lack of energy; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of the head, eyelids, comb, and hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. The USDA has a resource with images to help identify discoloration and other clinical signs. 

If farmers have a bird they believe has passed away because of avian influenza, state officials encourage them to double bag the bird and refrigerate to preserve it for testing.

Avian influenza is not a foodborne illness and does not pose a food-safety risk.