Highly pathogenic avian Influenza detected in domestic flock

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Adair County. The virus was detected in a commercial poultry flock.

“We’ve been preparing for situations like this due to HPAI circulating around the country for the last two and a half years,” said Oklahoma State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall. “Our Avian Influenza Response Plan has been activated, and we are working closely with USDA, poultry producers, and livestock producers to control and mitigate the spread of this disease in our state.”

A control area has been established in Adair and Delaware counties to assess the extent of the infection. Movement of poultry in and out of the established control area is restricted to manage the spread of HPAI.

Flock owners should take every precaution to protect their flock from HPAI by preventing their poultry’s exposure to wild birds and any areas where wild birds have been. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available at https://ag.ok.gov/disease-alerts. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases should also be reported to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry at (405) 522-6141.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. There is no risk to the food supply, but the affected birds will not enter the food supply system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses.