Avian Influenza

If you have been to the grocery store, you have seen the impact of avian influenza in the form of increased egg prices.  Avian influenza is present in Indiana and other states which is resulting in a decrease in the supply of eggs.  That decrease in turn has caused egg prices to soar.  Those prices are most likely going to continue to soar until the outbreak of avian influenza is over and the chicken population increases to the pre-outbreak levels.  Past outbreak history suggest that it will take several months after the chicken population reaches the pre-outbreak levels for egg prices to return to normal.

If you are unfamiliar with avian influenza here a few key points to understand:

• The risk of humans becoming infected with avian influenza is low.
• The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), and the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) are working together to monitor the spread of avian influenza and the overall risk to the public.
• Individuals who have been in close contact with sick birds have the highest risk of becoming infected.
• Infections occur when the avian influenza virus is inhaled or gets into an individual’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cooked poultry and eggs and pasteurized dairy products are safe to eat. Pasteurization and cooking kills the avian influenza virus.

There are a few steps you can take to prevent the spread of avian influenza.  Begin by avoiding contact with wild birds (specially those sick or dead).  If you do continue to feed birds, keep your birdfeeders and birdbaths clean by regularly using a 10% bleach and hot water solution, rinsing, and allowing them to completely dry.

If you are a backyard/hobby poultry owner become aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death of your birds to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline (866-536-7593).  A few of the signs include sudden death without clinical signs, lack of energy and appetite, swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks, nasal discharge, coughing, and more.  For more information on the symptoms, please view the What Hobby Poultry Owners Should Know About Preventing Avian Influence  press release from BOAH. 

If you do plan on interacting with birds (chickens, other poultry species, or wild birds), please remember to practice good hygiene.  This includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and use disposable gloves and other protective equipment when possible. 

If you would happen to develop flu-like symptoms after handling birds, please contact your health care provider for guidance and inform them that you have been in contact with birds.

For more information about avian influenza including number of cases in Indiana, what counties have been impacted, human health impact, and more, please visit the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) website.