Avian Influenza Information for Poultry Producers

An outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI) could harm not only your birds, but could quickly spread through your flock and kill nearby birds.

Minnesota was among the first states to work with turkey growers to establish a program to identify infected flocks. The Board recently created a similar monitoring program for the state's commercial egg and broiler producers.

A majority of Minnesota's poultry production occurs in the areas where wild water fowl can be found in high numbers. This results in annual discovery of seasonal low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). However, HPAI has never emerged from Minnesota poultry and to date, every introduction of LPAI in Minnesota has been successfully and quickly eliminated.

If you raise poultry, either commercially or as a hobby, please keep the following safeguards in mind:

• Watch for Signs. Watch for signs of disease or unexpected deaths among your birds.
• Report Sick Birds. Don't wait! Early detection can make a difference. If your birds are sick or dying, call the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory at 320-231-5170.
• Practice Backyard Biosecurity. Keep your birds free from disease. Restrict traffic on your property, and disinfect shoes, clothes and hands to prevent the possible spread of disease.

Information on personal safety for those individuals in close contact with poultry is available from the U.S. Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration.