Cases of bird flu found in two Alabama counties

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Bird flu has been detected in two Alabama counties, state officials said Monday.

Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza were found in a commercial broiler farm in Cullman County and in a backyard flock in Pickens County.

Samples from the flocks were tested and confirmed positive at the Alabama State Diagnostic Laboratory in Auburn.

State officials quarantined the affected premises, and all birds on the properties (about 116,000 in Cullman and about 70 in Pickens) were depopulated to help prevent spread.

All poultry within a 10-kilometer radius (6.2 miles) of the commercial Cullman site are being tested and monitored.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is considered low risk to humans but is highly contagious to other birds, including commercial and backyard flocks of poultry.

“It is critical for commercial and backyard poultry operations to remain alert and closely monitor the health of their poultry,” read a joint statement from Alabama Department of Agriculture commissioner Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier. “The detection of HPAI in Cullman and Pickens Counties reinforces the need to continue following strict biosecurity measures, including keeping birds enclosed without access to wild birds or other domestic flocks.”

Symptoms of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza include:

• Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock
• Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing and nasal discharge
• Watery and green diarrhea
• Lack of energy and poor appetite
• Drop in egg production or soft or thin-shelled, misshaped eggs
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs
• Ruffled feathers, listlessness and lethargy

Sick or dead wild birds can be reported by calling the Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation at 334-242-3469.

Sick or dead domestic birds can be reported to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries poultry unit at 334-240-6584.

More information about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza can be found here.

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