A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in two locations in Alabama – a commercial broiler farm in Cullman County and a backyard flock in Pickens County. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are working together to respond to the outbreak.
Samples from the affected flocks were tested at the Alabama State Diagnostic Laboratory, which confirmed the presence of HPAI. As a result, the state quarantined the premises, and all birds on the properties were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Poultry within a 10-kilometer radius of the commercial Cullman site are being tested and monitored.
HPAI is considered low-risk to human health but highly contagious among bird populations. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that infected birds do not enter the food supply, alleviating concerns about food safety.
ADAI Commissioner Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier emphasized the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures to protect poultry operations from HPAI. These measures include limiting visitors, sanitizing equipment, and keeping birds enclosed without access to wild birds or other domestic flocks.
Symptoms of HPAI in birds include sudden death, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, and swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks. ADAI urges backyard flock owners and commercial poultry operators to increase biosecurity measures to protect their operations.
To prevent the spread of HPAI, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife. If contact occurs, wash hands and change clothing before having any further contact with poultry. For more information on biosecurity measures, visit healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
Source: https://www.cullmantribune.com/2024/12/18/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-confirmed-in-alabama-over-115k-birds-killed-in-cullman-county