For the first time since 2015, the same type of avian virus that caused the big 2015 bird flu outbreak has been detected in the United States.
During the past three weeks, HPAI (High Pathology Avian Influenza) has been confirmed in more than 50 wild birds in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The infected birds include such species as the American Green Winged Teal, Blue Winged Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Widgeon, and Northern Shoveler. Certain species tend to be carriers of the virus, though they may not necessarily show symptoms, become ill or die from the pathogen.
Surveillance is currently underway for the presence of HPAI in the Pacific Flyway and the Atlantic Flyway. However, despite calls for monitoring of migratory birds in our flyway here in Wisconsin, it’s unclear whether surveillance has started yet in our Mississippi Flyway. I await a response from our USDA APHIS Liaison (Federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), Ms. Hallie Zimmers, as to the status of monitoring and surveillance in our Mississippi Flyway, keeping in mind the devastation HPAI caused in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa alone in 2015.
We are at high risk for the spread of avian influenza here in Jefferson County–numerous water ways; abundant waterfowl (including migratory birds such as herons, pelicans, and swans); more than 200 species of wild birds documented in the Lake Mills Wildlife Area alone; a total of 6,000,000-9,000,000 commercial chickens within a 40-mile radius; and more than 700 locations with backyard bird(s).
According to the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC), we currently have 718 premises here in Jefferson County, folks who’ve registered as having one or more birds.
It appears information has not yet been sent to registered poultry premise owners advising them of the presence of HPAI in the U.S., the need to maximize biosecurity, signs to watch for and what number to call if there’s a problem in their backyard flock.
Experts say the warning signs of HPAI may include:
• Lack of energy or appetite.
• Decreased activity level.
• Lower egg production and/or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs.
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb and wattles.
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs.
• Difficulty breathing, runny nose, and/or sneezing.
• Twisting of the head and neck, stumbling, falling down, tremors and/or circling.
• Greenish diarrhea.
• Sudden death (may not have any clinical signs/forewarning).
Backyard bird owners are asked to call Wisconsin DATCP at 1-800-572-8981 to report sick or dead birds in their flock.
Seven years ago when HPAI/ bird flu struck our county, there was one central phone number to report sick or dead wild birds in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case.
The DNR says if we see sick or dead wild birds here in Jefferson County, we need to call Mr. Sam Jonas, DNR Wildlife Biologist for Jefferson County, at 608-267-0866. (Note: This number currently has a voice message which might be confusing to folks calling to report. It is the correct number.)
What can we do to help prevent the spread?
1. If you keep a backyard bird or birds, be sure to register with WLIC (1-888-808-1910). There is no cost to do this, and it’s now the law.
2. Ask neighbors and others that keep birds if they are registered with WLIC yet. Registration allows faster notification in the event of a disease outbreak, and also qualifies bird owners for reimbursement/indemnification. (This is new since the 2015 bird flu outbreak.)
3. If you see an ill or dead wild bird, contact Mr. Sam Jonas as soon as possible.
4. Tell neighbors, friends, and family about the current state of avian, and if the need arises, how to report ill wild birds.
5. Those currently hunting crows, or folks preparing for the Spring 2022 Turkey Hunt, refer to “Guidance for Hunters-Protect Yourself and Your Birds from Avian Influenza”: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/2015/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf.
To learn more, visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/defend-the-flock-program.
Anita Martin
Lake Mills
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