HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu) – Resources for Commercial Poultry Producers
Be aware that HPAI has been detected in wild birds and commercial flocks in the eastern US in 2022, including Suffolk County. HPAI is a deadly disease for poultry. It can infect poultry such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl and wild birds, especially waterfowl. HPAI is extremely infectious and can spread rapidly from flock to flock. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.
All those involved in poultry production to take extra steps to prevent their flocks from becoming infected. All poultry producers, from small backyard to large commercial operations, should take precautions to protect their birds and review their biosecurity plans. Biosecurity refers to everything you can do to keep diseases – and the viruses, bacteria, funguses, parasites, and other microorganisms that cause disease – away from birds, property, and people.
Best practices include:
In addition to practicing good biosecurity, poultry owners should keep their birds away from wild ducks and geese and their droppings. Outdoor access for poultry should be limited at this time.
Know the warning signs of HPAI:
To report sick birds, unexplained high number of deaths, or sudden drop in egg production, please contact AGM’s Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593.
Avian Influenza FAQs
http://ccesuffolk.org/resources/avian-influenza-fa...
NYS Department of Ag & Markets Website for Poultry
https://agriculture.ny.gov/animals/poultry
USDA Webpage for HPAI Information
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/emergency-management/hpai/fadprep-hpai
USDA Avian Influenza Webpage
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza
National Poultry Improvement Plan
http://www.poultryimprovement.org/default.cfm
Secure Poultry Supply
https://securepoultrysupply.umn.edu/
USDA Defend the Flock! (Small, Backyard, or Non-Commercial Flocks)
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/defend-the-flock-program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County – Agriculture Program
For questions or assistance, please contact the CCE-Suffolk Agriculture Program, 631-727-7850 or ccesuffolkag@cornell.edu.
Laura Biasillo
Agricultural Economic Development Specialist
lw257@cornell.edu
(607) 584-5007
Last updated March 1, 2022