A commercial poultry flock in Adair County was confirmed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). ODAFF and APHIS are responding according to their Avian Influenza Response Plan.
HPAI is particularly deadly to poultry, and in some cases, the virus is fatal to wild birds. Waterfowl are susceptible to HPAI as well as quail and pheasants. And so hunters, particularly those with domestic poultry or pet birds, should be aware of how they can lessen the chance of spreading the virus to domestic bird populations. Hunters seeking more information should visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf.
Additionally, state officials are asking for reports of wild birds found dead or sick only if 12 or more are seen in one area. It’s especially important to report the sick or dead wild birds if the group of dead wild birds are within six miles of any poultry production facility. Those reports can be called in to the Oklahoma office of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at (405) 521-4039.
Further, if you are a flock owner and observe sick or dead poultry, please contact the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry at (405) 522-6141. While it is possible for HPAI to be transmitted to people, it is not likely, officials said.
