April 7, 2022 - 10:06am -- evans.1243@osu.edu

We continue to monitor for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza after recent detections have resulted in an increased public health concern HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads quickly and can be fatal to flocks and devastating to commercial and backyard poultry owners. It can infect poultry such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds. Follow proper handling and cooking methods for all poultry and eggs to a recommended temperature of 165 F as a general food safety precaution. Our number one preventative measure is enhanced biosecurity practices according to Ohio State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers. Best practices for Biosecurity include preventing contact with wild birds and waterfowl, keeping visitors to a minimum, washing hands before and after contact with live poultry and utilizing disposable boot covers, if possible, source drinking water from a contained supply and disinfect any equipment before moving to a new poultry facility. If you notice signs of illness, death loss, swelling or discoloration of legs, wattles or combs, labored breathing or reduced feed/water consumption report this immediately to the Ohio Poultry Association 614-728-6220

Download an informational flyer here.