Poultry owners urged to protect birds from avian influenza virus

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is reminding owners of poultry flocks and pet birds to practice biosecurity measures and report illnesses. A strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected throughout the U.S., including in Nevada, and can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and wild birds. To mitigate impacts of the disease, it is important that bird owners quarantine and report any sick birds to the USDA at (866) 536-7593 or the NDA state veterinarian Dr. Amy Mitchell. The NDA also recommends the suspension of poultry shows, events and exhibitions to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. View the NDA press release to learn more.

Infected poultry will not enter the food system and according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low.  As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

For more information on avian influenza and safety measures, visit agri.nv.gov/Animals/Avian.