Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza is a deadly poultry disease that is spread from flock to flock, primarily by moving domestic birds around or exposure to wild birds.

The CDC page about it can be found here.

It comes in two main types: Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Where LPAI can be mild, exposure to HPAI can kill off 90-100% of infected poultry in a matter of days.

It is most readily spread by waterfowl, which means that it is of special interest to Highland Park residents since ducks, seagulls, and geese come up and down the Raritan River all the time and carry it without symptoms.

If you can keep your birds indoors and practice strong biosecurity measures, this is ideal.

If you can't keep your birds indoors, here are some things you can do:

• Make sure your run, covey, or loft has a roof or is covered and netted so that wild birds can't get into it or leave droppings as they fly by.

• Likewise make sure that your flock's food and water are covered in such a way that wild birds can't get into them.

• Remove any wild bird feeders from your property and discourage wild birds from congregating near your flock.

• Don't let visitors come in contact with your birds without first washing their hands and scrubbing their footwear with disinfectant, and ensure that they wash their hands and scrub their footwear before they leave your premises. Having dedicated boots makes this easier.

In addition to this, the USDA hosts the Defend the Flock Program, which has lots of other useful information.

The largest immediate symptom is sudden death of your animals. HPAI acts quickly. So if one or more of your animals has suddenly died you will want to report it.

Other symptoms can include:

• lack of energy, appetite, and coordination;

• purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts;

• diarrhea;

• nasal discharge;

• coughing;

• sneezing; and

• reduced egg production, or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs

But note: These additional symptoms can be caused by a variety of things – many of which are benign. If some of your flock dies, and the rest start exhibiting these symptoms, chances are that it is HPAI.

You should immediately reach out and contact the Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County.

No. HPAI isn't readily communicable to humans. There have been perhaps 5 known cases. These were among poultry workers who were in heavy contact with infected birds for extended periods of time, and their symptoms were like that of a mild cold.