Erica Nowlin, Veterinarian at the Excelsior Springs Animal Clinic, informs residents about Avian Influenza and safe practices to protect individuals, livestock, and household pets.
Avian influenza, known as Bird Flu of Influenza strain H5N1, according to Nowlin is a virus that naturally occurs in bird populations and is transmitted from bird to bird through fecal droppings, saliva, and nasal discharges. Populations affected include waterfowl, shorebirds, and domesticated birds such as chickens and turkeys.
Nowlin said, that although the H5N1 influenza strain is highly pathogenic affecting mainly birds, “It is more present today than it has been in the past and we’re seeing it more even in dairy cows.” When an animal exhibits symptoms of the virus, she noted they become lethargic exhibiting labored breathing, coughing, loss of coordination, inability to stand or fly, tremors, and eventually refusal to eat.
Currently, Nowlin said the risk for humans contracting the virus remains low, but people should still take precautions to protect themselves, their pets, and livestock.
Precautions for Backyard Chicken Owners
Nowlin recommends those who own backyard chickens wear separate clothing and shoes that remain outside or away from other pets as both dogs and cats can get ill from the virus. If someone suspects they may have a sick chicken, “keep your dogs and cats away from them,” she said.
If someone is unable to keep their clothing separated from other pets, she explained the recommendation for sanitizing outerwear is by using bleach. A bleach solution of ½ cup or four ounces added to a gallon of water can be used and added to dish or laundry soap to kill the virus.
Steps to Take with Sick Birds
In the case that a fowl owner notices a sick animal, Nowlin explained the best thing to do is to keep the animal away from others and sanitize the housing area, including coops, barns, kennels, and animal bedding. She said to use protective measures such as wearing a mask, eye goggles, and gloves when handling the ill animal or cleaning to keep secretions and excrement away from both the individual and other pets and birds.
Protecting Household Pets
In contrast, pet owners are also recommended to keep household pets away from sick or dead birds they come across in public areas. As well, people should not handle birds that are sick or have died due to unknown causes.
If someone has a sick animal that needs to be assessed, Nowlin explained people can call the vet’s office to schedule an appointment. She added that the clinic does not practice flock medicine, but they will see individual chickens, pet birds, and K9 and feline companions.
“Be honest when you’re scheduling an appointment,” she said. “Let us know if you’re concerned about respiratory disease or if your pet, including an individual chicken, has been coughing.”
The clinic will evaluate and assess sick animals by conducting a physical exam from the car or in a private room away from the rest of the clinic to prevent contamination of other pets.
Advice for Waterfowl Hunters
In addition, Erin Woodiel, media specialist with the Missouri Department of Agriculture explained that waterfowl hunters should also take steps to decrease the spread of the virus on equipment and clothing.
Woodiel noted, waterfowl hunters should dress game birds in a location away from other birds and poultry or the field. The waste after dressing the animal should be placed in garbage bags and then disposed of through trash collection services or a permitted landfill to prevent other animals from feeding on the waste.
“Hunters should also allow their equipment such as boats and waders to dry fully between outings to avoid carrying the virus from one site to another,” she said.
Safe Consumption of Meat and Dairy
Both women explained it is safe to consume poultry and wild game meat, eggs, milk, and dairy products as normal cooking temperatures kill the virus. Nowlin said, people just need to ensure milk for consumption is pasteurized as it kills the virus.
Reporting Sick or Dead Animals
It is advised that people who suspect a sick domesticated animal contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division at (573) 751-3377. For those who need to report sightings of other dead birds contact the MDC online at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4KD. For more information regarding Avian Influenza visit https://agriculture.mo.gov/avian-influenza.php.
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