A bird flu outbreak in Alabama has led to the killing of thousands of chickens to contain the spread of the disease. The cases were found in a commercial broiler farm in Cullman County and a backyard flock in Pickens County. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADA) reported that samples from the affected flocks tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
As part of the response, the areas where the outbreaks occurred were quarantined, and all chickens in those areas – approximately 116,000 in Cullman County and 70 in Pickens County – were put down. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is working with state animal health officials to develop a joint incident response plan.
Bird flu, also known as HPAI, is highly infectious among birds but not considered a high health risk to people. Infected birds are not allowed to enter the food supply. To prevent the spread of the disease, commercial and backyard poultry operations must remain alert and closely monitor their birds’ health.
Symptoms of HPAI include sudden increases in bird deaths, sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, watery diarrhea, lack of energy, and poor appetite. The public is encouraged to keep away from infected poultry, wash hands and clothes if necessary, and report sick or dead wild birds to the Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Domestic birds and poultry can be reported to the ADAI’s Poultry Unit at 334-240-6584. Residents are advised to follow strict biosecurity measures, including keeping birds enclosed without access to wild birds or other domestic flocks, to prevent the spread of HPAI.
Source: https://www.wkrg.com/news/thousands-of-chickens-killed-in-central-alabama-following-discovery-of-bird-flu-in-2-counties