Bird flu strikes in Weston County — Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in backyard flock

The Wyoming Livestock Board has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard poultry flock in Weston County, officials announced on Oct. 24. While state veterinarian Dr. Hallie Hasel said they will not be releasing additional information about the location at a county level, she told the News Letter Journal concerned poultry owners in the area may contact the livestock board directly. 

Samples from the affected flock were tested at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. The property is now under quarantine to prevent the disease from spreading, according to a news release from the livestock board.

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a contagious viral disease that can cause high death rates among domestic birds. Migratory waterfowl are the primary carriers, often spreading the virus through feces, saliva and respiratory secretions while showing few or no symptoms themselves.

Hasel said flock owners should take extra precautions to protect their birds, especially those near ponds, rivers and other water sources frequented by wild birds during migration periods. Biosecurity measures include cleaning vehicles and equipment, changing clothes before and after contact with birds and limiting visitor access to poultry areas.

Symptoms of infection can include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lack of energy or appetite, decreased water intake, reduced egg production, incoordination and diarrhea. The virus can also cause sudden death in birds.

Anyone who notices these symptoms or experiences increased bird deaths should contact their veterinarian or the Wyoming Livestock Board at 307-777-8270.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to human health from avian influenza to be low, but people are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Those who do come into contact should wash thoroughly and change clothing before handling poultry or wild birds.

Sick or dead wild birds can be reported to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department by calling 307-745-5865 or through its online reporting system.

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