Officials ask public to be on the lookout for bird flu in flocks

Waterfowl fall migration continues to peak, and there is a greater risk of spreading the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, as well as sick and dying birds.

In the past month, 108 flocks — 44 commercial and 64 backyard flocks — tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian flu, affecting more than 1.16 million birds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

None were in Arkansas.

“With the fall migration is at its peak, numerous people have reported finding sick and dying waterfowl,” said Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and associate director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science.

While no birds have tested positive for the flu in Arkansas during the last month, three flocks have tested positive for the flu in different counties earlier this year. In October, birds in a flock in Mississippi County tested positive as did flocks in Sharp and Cleveland counties in January.

“Influenza is carried by many wild bird species, including migratory waterfowl like ducks and geese, which show few if any clinical signs of the disease,” he said, “but influenza in birds is very contagious and can cause severe illness and death in domestic species such as chickens and turkeys.

“County extension agents with the Division of Agriculture have received questions about what to do if they find sick, dying, or dead waterfowl,” Clark said. “It’s important that people report sick birds so precautions can be taken to reduce the spread of disease.”

Hunters and wildlife watchers who see concentrations of sick or dead birds should note the species, number of birds, and location for reporting.

“I have spoken with all these agencies, and they may or may not be able to send someone out to collect the sick or dead waterfowl,” Clark said. “They usually ask that if you find a dead waterfowl on your property, do not touch it unless you wear a mask and gloves. The bird should be buried in place if possible. If that is not possible, you may be directed to double bag the bird, disinfect the outside of the second bag and dispose of it in the trash or burn it if that is allowed in your area.”

Those who find sick birds should not take them home to care for them, especially if they have poultry, he said.

Biosecurity measures remain the best defense for commercial poultry operations and backyard poultry flocks.

Unlike most commercial poultry operations, backyard flocks are often continuously exposed to outdoor conditions, creating opportunities to interface with migrating birds and their droppings.