Avian Influenza

While you may not yet seen the following information on the USDA webpage, I have been informed by a CDFA representative that there are 2 confirmed detections of HPAI in California.  There is one case in the northern part of the state and one in the south.   The two bird owners are unrelated, but may have bought their birds from the same on-line vendor.

This is yet another good reminder to keep pet, parrot-like, birds away from poultry.  Always buy any new avian stock from reputable breeders.  

Dear Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibition Organizers and Managers:

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has closely monitored the status of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in both poultry and dairy cattle throughout California. Since the implementation of the statewide exhibition ban, CDFA has conducted ongoing surveillance, reviewed viral trend data, and consulted with epidemiologists and animal health partners at both the state and federal levels.

Linked here is the latest information from the CDFA on the Poultry and Dairy Cattle bans and exceptions at Fairs and Shows.

Statewide Ban on Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

(Poultry, Dairy, Other Livestock, and General)

AVIAN/POULTRY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Click the link below for the full document.

On January 8th, our State Veterinarian, Dr. Annette Jones, issued the following:

“Due to the continued spread of H5N1 Bird Flu in California, the State Veterinarian has implemented a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at Fairs and Shows immediately until further notice. This action is required to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds to the disease.”

Important message as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to spread across our nation and state

There are no United States-approved HPAI tests,  for use with poultry, available to backyard poultry keepers.  Please do NOT buy such tests, nor think using a test made for cattle, is appropriate for your flock.

As always, if you have unexplained illness in your flock, contact:

       While HPAI detections can be expected during the periods of wild bird migrations, it is still a shock when they occur in our state.   At this writing on Dec.

                 Oct. 30, 2023

Urgent:  After 2+ months of being free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), California has a positive case.  The last case was a detection in wild birds in Monterey county.  The current case involves a commercial flock in Merced county.

While the HPAI risks from migrating waterfowl have long been known, more and more wild bird species are being infected with virus.   All poultry owners must increase their biosecurity efforts.

       My thanks to United Egg Producers (UEP) for sharing the following.   Over the past 6 days, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported 26 confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).   Most of the confirmations were from backyard flocks.    The fall migration is continuing.    All bird owners should assume that the virus is present in wild birds.

HPAI Being discovered in more counties and in more flocks

       Dr. Jones has shared news that HPAI has been confirmed in one of our Mother Lode counties:

“September 13, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in a Backyard Flock in El Dorado County

      Thanks to our State Veterinarian, Dr. Jones, for keeping us informed.   Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) unfortunately are on the increase.  They are no longer restricted to wild birds, backyard flocks have tested positive as well.  I will continue to tell my readers what I have been saying for decades:  protect your birds - keep them under a solid cover!  

       From Dr. Jones:

     Dr. Annette Jones, our State Veterinarian, informed me today that HPAI has been confirmed in a WILD Canada goose in Sonoma County.   This is addition to positives in wild waterfowl in Colusa County.  Keep your birds indoors or under a SOLID cover.

             -Dr. Bradley

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) confirmed in Carson City, Nevada

   Want you to have the important announcement and directive below from our State Veterinarian, Dr. Jones.

                                           Be very careful with your birds,

                                            Dr. Bradley

    Thanks to Kevin Simmons (National Poultry Improvement Plan Coordinator, Arkansas) I am able to share this map with you.   No longer are the confirmed cases far, far away.   You can easily see that there are new cases in the west.   Please also note that BACKYARD and commercial flocks alike are being infected.   I will say it again: keep your birds under solid cover and practice the best biosecurity you can.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)  is now on our coast.   The OIE (also known as the World Organization for Animal Health) has confirmed that HPAI  has been isolated on the west coast of the United States.   A bald eagle that died in Vancouver, BC was positive for HPAI.