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NEWS UPDATE:  Two dead snow geese in Henderson County have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. While the CDC stresses that the risk to human health is very low, it is a problem for poultry in the area. This includes all flocks - large and small.

Avian Influenza detected in Henderson County waterfowl (wkyt.com)

Symptoms of HPAI in infected birds include incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, swimming in circles, and head tremors. The main concerns for the spread of the disease lie in domestic flocks, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks, though the disease has also been linked to recent large-scale deaths of eagles and vultures. Dr. Casey (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources veterinarian) shared that this outbreak is unique to those of the past, in that it has also spread to mammals, including one raccoon in Kentucky as well as several bears across North America.

As per the article by WYKT: Waterfowl hunters or people hiking through waterfowl habitats (wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams) are encouraged to take precautions by wearing gloves, changing shoes, and disinfecting exposed tools or materials before coming into contact with poultry flocks or other domestic birds at home.

With waterfowl season still open, hunters are urged to follow routine precautions when handling wild game:

• Do not harvest, handle, or consume wild birds that are sick or otherwise found dead.
• Dress harvested waterfowl outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and wash hands with soap and warm water after handling wild birds and disposing of carcasses. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Disinfect any equipment (knives and surfaces) that touch birds. Use dedicated tools for cleaning the game and avoid using them around poultry or pet birds.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling or cleaning game birds.
• Double bag the feathers and other remains. Tie the inner bag, take off your gloves, and leave them in the outer bag before tying it closed. Place the bag in the trash and close the lid on the receptacle. Discard in a trash can with a secure lid to prevent scavengers from getting the carcass.
• All game should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
• Do not feed dogs raw or undercooked meat from harvested waterfowl.

If you have multiple bird deaths (wild or domestic), please contact the UK Animal Diagnostic Lab immediately. There is an after-hours contact number listed on their website if needed.

USDA APHIS | 2022/23 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to ensure the health of their birds. APHIS has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources.

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at USDA APHIS | Avian Health.

Bird flu - Information for hunters and taxidermists

Bird flu - Identification and reporting

Bird flu - Considerations for pets and non-farm animals

Bird flu - Cleaning and disinfection

Bird flu - Biosecurity and Prevention

There are many reasons an individual or family may want to raise poultry:

1. For-profit through the sale of meat, eggs, and/or chicks.
2. For family consumption of meat and/or eggs
3. As a control for pests
4. As a hobby and/or for poultry exhibitions
5. As a 4-H or FFA project

A small poultry flock is relatively inexpensive, requires less space than most animal enterprises, and doesn't require much time. In addition, raising a small poultry flock is a good way to introduce youth to animal agriculture (for food or fiber) and to help build a sense of responsibility (since animals need to be taken care of 365 days a year).

There are some important things to remember though. Every year CDC reports multi-state outbreaks of human salmonellosis linked to contact with backyard poultry. It is important to wash your hands after handling poultry or anything that they have come into contact with. Keep an eye on any young children handling poultry to make sure they don't kiss the birds or bring them near their faces. Make sure they don't put their fingers in their mouths. 

Safe handling of chicks

Wally Cat poster for kids on the safe handling of chicks (University of Kentucky)

Growing a Nation: A history of American agriculture (Ag in the Classroom)

A history of agriculture (History of worldwide agriculture by Crest Capital)