Avian bird flu found in Pacific Northwest prompts Nevada, USDA advisories
Submitted by editor on Tue, 12/30/2014 - 10:41am
The Nevada Department of Agriculture is recommending that bird owners in Nevada adopt extra healthy hygiene practices after avian bird influenza was found in Oregon and Washington.
While health risks to humans are low, the United States Department of Agriculture’sAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service is warning people to avoid contact with sick or dead poultry or wildlife.
Nevada State Veterinarian Michael Greenlee said that the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus has been found in birds in various parts of the world but has not been shown to cause any human infection.
“All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, are encouraged to practice good biosecurity by preventing contact between their birds and wild birds and reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to officials,” he said.
If contact occurs, wash hands with soap and water, and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds.
USDA APHIS confirmed in December the presence of HPAI in wild birds in Whatcom County, Washington. HPAI was also found in a small, backyard poultry flock in Oregon.
HPAI would have significant economic impacts if detected in U.S. domestic poultry. Commercial poultry producers should follow strict biosecurity practices and raise their birds in very controlled environments.
Poultry and poultry products, including wild game birds, are safe to eat as long as proper handling and cooking guidelines are followed, Greenlee said.
Call USDA's toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593 if there is concern about sick or dying birds. Biosecurity practices for backyard flocks can be found at healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture promotes sustainable agriculture and natural resources, which work to protect food, fiber, human health and safety and environment through effective service, regulatory action and agricultural literacy.
The NDA was established in 1915 by Chapter 561 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. It includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry. For more information, visit agri.nv.gov.
