Biosecurity for Backyard Flocks
University of Minnesota Extension
In order to help flock owners to keep their birds healthy by preventing disease, biosecurity is a must! For further information, view the complete U of M Avian Influenza Basics for Urban and Backyard Poultry Owners fact sheet for resource and referral for the general public.
? Keep your distance (separating your poultry from disease introduction).
Some examples are:
? Restrict access from wildlife and wild birds to your birds by use of enclosed shelter and fencing of the outdoor areas. Use of smaller mesh hardware cloth which allows exclusion of wild birds while still allowing outdoor exposure.
? Caretakers should not have contact with other poultry or birds prior to contact with their own birds. Restrict access to your poultry if your visitors have birds of their own.
? Keep different species of poultry and age groups separated due to differences in susceptibility.
How Flocks are Confirmed as Positive for HPAI
There are several steps involved in confirming that a poultry flock is positive for a highly-pathogenic strain of avian influenza. Here is an outline of the process:
1. A poultry producer or backyard flock owner notices unusual death loss or other signs of illness in his/her birds.
2. The individual notifies their veterinarian or an animal health official.
3. Samples are collected from the birds on the premises.
4. Samples are submitted to a state laboratory for preliminary testing.
5. State laboratories are able to determine if the samples are positive for an H5 or H7 influenza virus. If samples are positive for an H5 or H7 virus, they are forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.
6. NVSL is the only laboratory in the United States that is authorized to officially confirm the presence of a HPAI and identify the specific strain of virus. When NVSL confirms HPAI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Board of Animal Health share that information with the public by posting online. The Board continues to also share the information on newly-confirmed cases by inclusion in its HPAI Daily Briefings.
Is it safe to eat chicken, turkey, eggs and other poultry products?
Yes, properly handled poultry and poultry products, such as eggs, are safe to eat. To ensure poultry is safe, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds consumers to follow these steps:
• Keep clean; wash hands, and clean and sanitize work surfaces and equipment.
• Separate raw and cooked meat; avoid cross-contamination.
• Cook meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Chill; keep and store food at 40 °F (4.4 ºC) or below and the freezer at 0 °F (-17.7 ºC) or below.
• Cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm and ensure any dishes containing eggs are cooked to 160 °F.
• Use pasteurized eggs for dishes where eggs are raw or undercooked when they are consumed.
No Public Health Risk
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports that no human infections with this strain of the virus (H5N2) have been detected in Minnesota or elsewhere in the U.S. However, in some cases certain HPAI H5 viruses can infect people and it is important to prevent infections.
In general, avian influenza viruses are spread to people through direct contact with infected birds or their environments, including contaminated bedding, feed or water. Person-to-person spread of avian influenza viruses is rare and limited.
This is not a public health risk or a food safety risk. The potential risk is for those who have direct contact with infected birds.
Poultry Workers
MDH is monitoring the health of workers, who have had contact with infected poultry, and providing guidance on infection control, the use of personal protective equipment, and providing support for any other health-related aspects of response.
• People who had close, unprotected contact with infected flocks are recommended to receive an antiviral drug called Tamiflu.
• Workers are then contacted daily for 10 days and monitored for development of respiratory symptoms.
• As of today, MDH has completed follow-up contacts for 41 flocks.
In total, 140 people had been involved in care of the 41 flocks and were interviewed and evaluated.
• MDH is currently monitoring 78 poultry personnel for potential symptoms of infection, such as development of an eye infection or respiratory symptoms.
• The MDH 10-day monitoring period has been completed for 62 people and 14 flocks; no infections with this virus were detected.
Hotlines
General questions about avian influenza and biosecurity: 888-702-9963
Report sick or dead poultry: 320-214-6700 Ext. 3804
Report sick or dead wild birds: 888-646-6367 (DNR)
Movement permits into/within/out of the control zones: 651-201-6817 or use the online permit request form.
Background
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Pacific, Mississippi and Central flyways. The first case of H5N2 in the Mississippi flyway was confirmed in Minnesota on March 5, 2015.
The virus has not caused human illness.
The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and in migratory wild bird populations.
For additional information, visit: www.mnairesponse.info.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/poultry/avian-influenza/index.html
As you are well aware, there have been several introductions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry in Minnesota and other Midwestern states. Attached are some different guides and fact sheets on biosecurity and general information on HPAI.
Additional website information is available at:
USDA Biosecurity for Birds Web page
Minnesota Board of Animal Health Avian Influenza Web page
http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/poultry/avian-influenza/index.html
A hotline number (888-702-9963) is now available for poultry producers and members of the public who have general questions about avian influenza and biosecurity measures they can take to protect their birds.
If you become aware of a sudden onset of sickness or high mortality in any kind or type of poultry flock (commercial or backyard) please call the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at 320 214 6700 (Ext 3804) or toll-free at 866-536-7593.
Avian influenza
• Avian influenza basics for urban and backyard poultry owners
A descriptive guide to avian influenza; what to do if your poultry may be infected, and steps to protect your flock.
• Avian influenza basics for organic and pastured poultry flock producers
A descriptive guide to avian influenza; what to do if your poultry may be infected, and key biosecurity recommendations.
There have been several introductions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry in Minnesota and other Midwestern states. Attached are some different guides and fact sheets on biosecurity and general information on HPAI.
Additional website information is available at:
USDA Biosecurity for Birds Web page
Minnesota Board of Animal Health Avian Influenza Web page
http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/poultry/avian-influenza/index.html