Avian influenza, or bird flu's resurgence, continues as a new case has been recorded in Ransom County, North Dakota. This has led to the suspension of 15 poultry events for at least 30 days, according to KFYRTV.
Ransom County: Third Case of Bird Flu
The confirmation in a commercial flock of chickens and turkeys in Ransom County is North Dakota's first in the past five months.
As per Bismarck Tribune, despite the fact that the majority of the birds killed in the state have been in commercial flocks, 14 of the state's 19 cases since the spring have been in small backyard flocks. Usually, infected flocks are wiped out to prevent the birds from getting into the food chain.
The bird flu has spread from wild waterfowl to domestic poultry nationwide. It quickly infects the respiratory systems of chickens, turkeys, and ducks, making them sick and eventually killing them. However, there is little risk of avian influenza spreading to people.
Poultry Event Ban
Animal Health's revised poultry event suspension focuses on a county-level strategy to stop the spread of bird flu.
In counties where avian influenza has been confirmed, as well as in nearby counties, all exhibitions, public sales, swaps, and shows of poultry and other birds are prohibited. Violations are subject to a $5,000 maximum fine.
In March, the Animal Health board postponed all poultry-related activities in the state due to the widespread bird flu outbreak. A few days later, in Kidder County, a backyard flock of sheep, the state's first confirmed case, was discovered.
According to Vice President David Rude, the North Dakota Turkey Federation is completely in agreement with the decision
North Dakota has nine turkey farms that produce about one million birds a year, in addition to numerous backyard flocks based on the report of the Agriculture Department.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Specialists in North Dakota State University Extension are still urging owners of all sizes of birds to practice biosecurity around wild birds.
In order to protect their birds, Gerald Stokka, NDSU Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist, advised poultry owners of all sizes to keep up biosecurity precautions.
A flock owner's responsibility is to make a separation between a clean flock and any potential unclean issues that visiting wildlife or other people might bring.
According to Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist, HPAI does not pose a threat to consumer food safety. The livestock expert, however, stated that it is illegal for poultry that tests positive for HPAI to be sold.
Clinical Signs of an Infected Bird
The sudden, unexplained death of a bird is one of the initial clinical signs of an infected bird. A decrease in water consumption up to 72 hours before an unexplained death is reported in the majority of HPAI cases.
Another indication that birds are unwell is a decrease in egg production and depression in hens. Other symptoms that birds may experience include purple or dry combs, being quieter than usual, frequent lying down, and swelling around the eyes. The most vulnerable animals to HPAI are chickens and turkeys. The virus is spread by waterfowl like ducks and geese.
Being vigilant and reporting sick and dead birds are necessary if we want to help protect wild and domestic bird populations from HPAI.
RELATED ARTICLE: First Avian Flu Cases in Southwest Confirmed, Leading to Deaths of 37 Million Commercial Farm Birds in Parts of US
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