Now that fall is upon us and wild birds will quickly start their migrations in North America, it’s particularly necessary for poultry producers to ensure all biosecurity precautions are being carried out on their farms to stop infections of extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Emily Pittman, veterinary director, Georgia Poultry Laboratory Community, reminded attendees of the 2024 Georgia Layer Convention on September 23 what day it was, and that in 2023, October 6 was a billion-bird migration night time.
“For those who keep in mind final yr, this was about once we began having points (with HPAI) once more,” she stated.
Figures from the US Division of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Well being Service (APHIS) present that in 2023, no circumstances of HPAI had been confirmed between April 9 and October 4. Two industrial poultry farms had confirmed circumstances of HPAI on October 6, and earlier than October was over, the United States had 25 industrial flocks struck by HPAI, adopted by 57 industrial flocks in November and 45 industrial flocks in December.
Pittman stated it is usually price understanding that whereas HPAI isn’t presently thought-about endemic in poultry, it’s in wild birds, “which implies it’s commonly occurring and usually current, so it is best to assume {that a} wild hen might be carrying avian influenza at this level.”
Keep away from ‘disaster fatigue’
With the autumn migration undoubtedly coming, and a billion-bird migration night time probably coming, it’s notably necessary to be certain all individuals engaged on or along with your facility are skilled on and training good biosecurity.
“I do know that we’re all probably experiencing disaster fatigue. This illness isn’t good for anyone, particularly not birds, responders and growers,” she stated.
And whereas all poultry farms should be coaching individuals on biosecurity, Pittman stated it’s particularly necessary with the poultry complexes which have a excessive worker turnover charge. She emphasised that personnel not solely should be educated on what to do, however why it must be achieved.
“After we clarify why we’re doing issues, there’s a lot increased stage of compliance,” she stated.
It’s OK to be ‘bizarre’ about biosecurity
One of many largest dangers to the well-being of poultry might be trespassers.
Pittman recommends utilizing gates, locks and even cameras to management the scenario. She additionally says there’s nothing fallacious with doing what some individuals may assume goes overboard.
“Be bizarre. If somebody’s in your property that’s not supposed to be there, name the cops. Ask them what they’re doing,” she stated.
Just lately in Georgia, Pittman stated, there was a scenario in which a truck that was haling a trailer of birds pulled as much as a industrial poultry farm that was not far off the street. It’s recognized that the trespasser at minimal poked his or her head (she didn’t determine the trespasser’s gender) into no less than one poultry home. Thankfully, she stated, a service technician was onsite and authorities had been known as.
View our persevering with protection of the international avian influenza scenario.
To be taught extra about HPAI circumstances in industrial poultry flocks in the US, Mexico and Canada, see an interactive map on WATTPoultry.com.
