BOISE, Idaho (RFD-TV) — Fall migration is underway, and with cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) already reported, animal health officials are urging poultry owners to protect their flocks.
Dr. Scott Leibsle of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture says keeping domestic poultry away from wild birds is especially important during migration season.
“If you’re near a slough, waterway, irrigation canal, pond, anything like that, don’t promote interaction between domestic and wild birds. The wild waterfowl are endemic. Especially ducks and geese, will shed the disease without showing symptoms. It may or may not show symptoms in your domestic flock. The chickens and the turkeys are very susceptible. Ducks and geese seem to have some degree of immunity, but it’s kind of hit or miss.”
Leibsle is also encouraging bird owners to pay attention to what they bring onto and off their properties.
He recommends keeping a dedicated set of barn clothes and boots that stay on the farm to help reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
