A major avian influenza outbreak has hit Alabama, with nearly all the birds killed at two sites after highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed at both locations. The affected areas include a commercial broiler farm in Cullman County and a backyard flock in Pickens County, where over 116,000 broiler chickens and 70 other poultry species were euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has quarantined both sites and is testing all birds within a 6.2-mile radius of the broiler farm for HPAI. The agency’s Agriculture Commissioner and State Veterinarian have urged commercial and backyard poultry operations to remain vigilant and follow strict biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks.
Biosecurity measures recommended by the department include cleaning vehicles and equipment, limiting unnecessary visitors, sanitizing shoes in clean foot baths, changing clothes upon contact with birds, and avoiding contact with sick or dead poultry or wildlife. Those affected should report sick or dead wild birds to the Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation at 334-242-3469.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bird flu is considered a low risk to human health but is highly contagious to birds. Symptoms of HPAI include sudden increase in bird deaths, sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and nasal discharge, among others.
Source: https://www.al.com/news/2024/12/highly-pathogenic-bird-flu-confirmed-in-alabama-more-than-100000-chickens-killed.html