AUGUSTA — Maine Animal Health authorities with the Department of Farming, Preservation and Forestry (DACF) advise business and yard flock owners to keep birds inside to avoid the spread of extremely pathogenic bird influenza (HPAI). Today’s tip follows the detection of HPAI in a little, non-commercial group of yard birds in Washington County.
HPAI is an extremely infectious infection that can be spread out in numerous methods from flock to flock, consisting of through wild birds, contact with contaminated poultry, devices, and on the clothes and shoes of caretakers. Beginning in February 2022, DACF reported finding 14 cases of the illness in domestic birds, all including non-commercial yard flocks. DACF discovered these cases in 6 counties throughout the state.
Practical procedures to safeguard the health of Maine’s domestic birds:
Avoid contact in between domestic and wild birds by bringing them inside or guaranteeing their outside location is totally confined.
Practice stringent biosecurity procedures, consisting of cleaning hands prior to and after dealing with birds and when moving in between various cages, using tidy clothing, and keeping automobiles tidy and without dirt, manure, and other natural product.
Disinfect boots and other equipment when moving in between cages.
Do not share devices or other products in between cages or other farms.
Tidy and disinfect devices and other products in between usages.
Utilize well or community water as drinking water for birds.
Keep poultry feed protected to make sure no contact in between the feed/feed active ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
Avoid checking out other farms, houses, or centers with birds.
Know the indications of HPAI and keep an eye on the health of birds routinely.
For a picture of HPAI in Maine, often asked concerns, and extra HPAI resources, check out maine.gov/ dacf/hpai.
To report ill poultry or uncommon domestic bird deaths, call the USDA’s toll-free hotline at 1-866-536-7593.
To report a strange-acting or deadwild bird, call the MDIFW at (207) 287-8000. After hours, nights, and on weekends, please call (800) 452-4664.
