The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation reports that two domestic poultry flocks in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough have confirmed to have highly pathogenic avian influenza. One flock was a backyard chicken flock, and the other was a mix of poultry species. There has been a total of four backyard flocks and nearly 600 wild bird detections statewide in 2022.
There is an increased risk of domestic poultry being exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza as the wild birds migrate south. Flock owners are urged to maintain separation between wild birds and their flocks. This could include not allowing poultry to free-range, especially if there are wild ducks or geese in the area, or if they are close to bodies of water that could be contaminated with the virus. Covering coops and runs also helps protect poultry from birds flying overhead.
Sudden death of multiple birds in the flock, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, or respiratory distress are to be of great concern and should be reported. Other signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza include a significant drop in water consumption, diarrhea, lethargy, abnormal behavior or difficulty walking, blue discoloration of the comb and wattles, or swollen comb, wattles, legs, or head.
“Report any suspicious illness in your flock to your veterinarian or to the Office of the State Veterinarian,” according to Dr. Robert Gerlach, Alaska State Veterinarian. “Report any sick or dead wild birds to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.”
The Department of Environmental Conservation reports that the risk to human health from this virus is very low, but it is highly contagious among birds and can affect all types of domestic poultry. Additionally, owners can make sure the virus isn’t transmitted between flocks on shoes, clothing, or tools by having dedicated clothes and footwear for use on their farm and by cleaning and sanitizing any tools or equipment before use on their farm.
Click here for additional information on avian influenza outbreaks. Click here for information on how to protect your flocks.