Health

Kansas Bird Flu Detected In Two Counties

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2022

Kansas Bird Flu Detected In Two Counties

(CTN News) – The Kansas Department of Agriculture has issued renewed warnings for poultry farmers regarding an illness targeting birds.

According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture,Kansas highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, has returned to Kansas. Positive cases have been identified in Johnson and Neosho counties this week.

In both cases, HPAI has been detected in non-commercial mixed species flocks. As part of a joint incident response, the KDA is working closely with the U.S. Agriculture Department and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The two flocks have since been quarantined by the KDA. Birds on both properties will be depopulated to prevent the disease from spreading further.

To ensure the health of their poultry, anyone involved in poultry production, whether they are a small backyard chicken owner or a large commercial producer, should review their biosecurity activities.

Additional confirmed cases will be communicated directly to local communities and announced on the KDA Avian Influenza website.

HPAI is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys, and other birds, resulting in severe illness and/or sudden death.

Unlike previous outbreaks, this outbreak has caused illness and mortality in a broader range of bird species, including wild and domestic waterfowl. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of HPAI if you own poultry:

Coughing
Sneezing
Nasal discharge
lack of energy and appetite
Decreased water consumption
Decreased egg production/soft-shelled eggs
Incoordination
Diarrhea

Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms in your birds. If you prefer, you can contact the KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not pose an immediate threat to public health. Click here for more information on HPAI.