MEEKS: Protecting poultry from avian influenza

Poultry is the largest sector in Georgia's economy, contributing an estimated $25 billion annually and supporting more than 100,000 jobs in the state. Avian influenza has yet to be a problem in Georgia, but both commercial producers and backyard hobbyists should take measures to protect their flock.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease of birds. It is carried by waterfowl, which are generally not affected by the virus. When the birds migrate south for the winter months, they deposit the virus along the way, which can infect commercial and recreational flocks.

Brian Fairchild, an extension poultry scientist with the University of Georgia, said the risk of humans contracting the virus is extremely low. You also cannot contract avian influenza from eating poultry meat and eggs that have been properly cooked. Also, commercial flocks in the United States are tested for avian influenza, and infected flocks are prohibited from entering the market.

There is no acceptable treatment once a bird has contracted avian influenza. Enhanced biosecurity and quickly identifying infected flocks are the only methods to keep it from spreading.

Here are some recommendations for protecting the health of your backyard flock:

Restrict access to your birds. Keep them in a coop or pen and allow only caregivers to have access. Do not let visitors that raise birds come in contact with your flock.

Keep your flock away from game birds and migratory waterfowl.

Keep the coop and yourself clean. Keep a clean pair of shoes and clothes just for the chick coop. Wash your hands before entering the coop. Clean and disinfect all equipment. Clean cages, and change food and water daily.

Properly dispose of dead birds.

Don't bring the disease home. If you have been to an area where other birds or bird owners are, wash and disinfect your vehicle. Birds that have been to an event should be kept separate for two weeks. New birds should be kept separate for thirty days.

Don't borrow equipment from neighbors. If you do, disinfect the equipment before it reaches your property, and disinfect it before returning.

The symptoms of avian influenza are sudden increase in mortality, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, watery or green diarrhea, lethargy, swelling around the eyes, neck and head, purple discoloration of wattles combs and legs, incoordination or paralysis, twisting of the head or neck under the body in turkeys, sudden and severe drop in feed and water consumption and sudden and severe drop in egg production and misshapen eggs.

Early detection is important to prevent the spread of avian influenza. If you suspect your flock may be infected, call the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network at 770-766-6850 or your local extension office.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Feb. 9: Weeds and Turfgrass, Perry, 6 p.m.

Feb. 11: Advanced Landscape Design, Perry, 6 p.m.

MIDDLE GEORGIA PRODUCTION MEETINGS

Feb. 4: Corn Production, Oglethorpe, noon

Feb. 9: Pecan Production, Perry, 10 a.m.

Feb. 17: Cotton Production, Oglethorpe, noon

Feb. 25: Peanut Production, Perry, noon

For more information, contact Houston County Extension at 478-987-2028 or visit the office at 801 Main St., Perry. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Visit www.caes.uga.edu/extension/houston for more news about your local Extension office.

This story was originally published January 28, 2016 at 10:14 AM with the headline "MEEKS: Protecting poultry from avian influenza ."