Avian Flu A Concern In Panhandle

Dr. Karla Wilke, assistant professor of animal science at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, shared her thoughts and information on avian influenza. A backyard flock in Scotts Bluff County became infected with avian influenza and the chickens and waterfowl had to be killed and incinerated.

Early detection is essential to controlling the disease, according to Wilke.

In March, avian influenza was detected in a commercial flock in Butler County and backyard flocks in Merrick and Holt counties, and later in Scotts Bluff County.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service stated there is no immediate public health concerns and that no human cases of the avian influenza viruses have been detected.

Proper handling and cooking are important for all poultry products and eggs; they should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Wilke was glad to share her information but said an expert on poultry was Dr. Shelia Purdum, who is on campus at the University of Nebraska. Purdum has a poultry website for backyard flocks and 4-H. The website has useful information and general poultry care.

According to Wilke, people who have poultry should watch for signs of illness, lack of energy, nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing. The poultry can also experience diarrhea, or their shells may be misshaped. Chickens may also experience sudden death due to avian flu. 

Wilke stressed that owners need to be cognizant of diseases and report immediately to their veterinarian if they notice signs of avian flu or other illnesses. All birds and flocks will be euthanized and incinerated.

However, the sick chickens from the commercial poultry barns in eastern Nebraska were composted.

Wilke explained that the large producers are meticulous and practice biosecurity to protect their investment.

Professor and poultry veterinarian Dr. Don Reynolds provided information on biosecurity. He recommended the Big Red Biosecurity website (https://bigredbiosecurity.unl.edu/).

That site explains, “Whether you raise a dozen or a million birds, the productivity of your flock is dependent on the health of each bird. A biosecurity program is your best defense against production losses caused by disease.” What is meant by biosecurity? Isolation, traffic control, and sanitation.

Commercial facilities sanitize, change clothes when they go in and out of poultry barns, limit visitors, have disposable boot covers, and wash their hands before and after contact with live poultry.

Backyard producers also need to practice biosecurity by washing boots so as not to track viruses from place to place, provide netting to prevent wild birds and fowl from infecting their flock, and follow cleanliness habits.

The waterfowl and birds are usually the culprits in spreading diseases to backyard flocks.

In order to prevent spreading of the avian flu, poultry events have been cancelled across the state of Nebraska until May 1. Cancellations include fairs, expositions, swap meets, exotic sales and live bird auction but poultry farmers are still able to sell chicks, ducklings and goslings at farm stores.