USDA has confirmed Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza in the US
Since December 2014, the USDA has confirmed several cases of
highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in the Pacific, Central and
Mississippi flyways (migratory bird paths).
The disease has been found in wild birds, as well as in backyard and
commercial chicken and turkey flocks.
The USDA considers this finding to be part of the ongoing avian
influenza disease incident. There is no
immediate public health concern as a result of these detections. However, the AHDC urges you to ensure that
if you own birds, whether commercial producers or backyard
enthusiasts, increase your biosecurity, preventing contact between your birds
and wild birds, as well as report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to the
appropriate state and/or federal officials through the NYS Department of
Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-0218 or USDA
APHIS Veterinary Services NY office at 717-540-2777. Our poultry expert on the Veterinary Support
Services team, Dr. Jarra Jagne, is working closely with NYS and federal animal
health officials and is available to assist with diagnostic concerns and
biosecurity planning for commercial and backyard poultry.
