BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in a flock of domestic chickens in Bingham County, according to a recent news release. ISDA says this is the first confirmed case of HPAI in domestic birds this season.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can cause high death loss of all domestic and wild birds. Signs of HPAI in domestic poultry frequently include sudden death, decreased appetite and activity, breathing difficulty and dark combs and wattles.
ISDA recommends poultry owners reinforce biosecurity measures for their flocks and prevent wild waterfowl from interacting with domestic birds.
Essential biosecurity practices include limiting the number of people who interact with your birds, washing hands before and after handling the birds and having dedicated clothing and tools for each flock.
Bird owners should avoid public venues with birds of unknown health status, like livestock exhibitions and bird auctions.
People who spend time in areas with high waterfowl traffic should also take precautions, as they could become contaminated and spread the virus.
HPAI is transmitted between birds through close contact, fecal matter and sometimes as an aerosol. The virus is carried on objects such as tools, vehicles, clothes and boots which can transfer the virus from one location to another.
Visit ISDA's website to learn more about the disease and access the submission form to contact ISDA’s state veterinarians.HPAI is a reportable disease in Idaho, and veterinarians are required to report positive detections to the ISDA.
It is rare for humans to become infected, but symptoms may include conjunctivitis, fever, lethargy, aches, coughing, or diarrhea. Being in direct contact with domestic birds is the highest risk activity.
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