H5N1 Avian Influenza
H5N1 Avian Influenza is a High Pathogenic Avian Influenza with at least a mortality rate of 75% and at most a mortality rate of 100%. The first bird who tested positive was from Colleton County, South Carolina. We will try to keep this website updated every day with confirmed reports from the state. The last time we had H5N1 here was in 2016. H5N1 is not common but taking the proper precautions will keep your flock safe and happy.
What can you do to protect your poultry and waterfowl?
Practice Enhance Biosecurity! This is going to be your greatest ally in keeping your flock healthy.
If possible in areas affected, move your flock inside for the next 30 days. If not possible, you will need to bird proof your run.
Cover runs with tarps so that feces cannot get dropped in and cover larger fencing with netting or chicken wire to keep the wild birds out.
Establish "coop shoes"- These shoes should only be used for your coop and run area and no where else.
Wear clean clothes- Do not wear clothing that has been off your property.
Make a shoe dip- Using a container fill with fresh mixture of 50/50 bleach-water solution. Dip your shoes before going in coop and after exiting.
Only purchase from reputable NPIP sources.
Use hand sanitizer before and after attending to poultry.
Do not snuggle your chickens right now.
Restrict visitors to coop areas.
Sanitize equipment before and after use!
South Carolina
Virgina
North Carolina
Maryland
Pennsylvania
New Hampshire
Delaware
Indiana
29,000 birds depopulated so far.
Florida
Kentucky
Symptoms
Symptoms can mimic other illnesses in birds. If there is any suspicion
that it is possibly H5N1 Avian Influenza, please call your State Veterinarian for testing.
Sudden death
Purple discoloration
Swelling of various body parts
Coughing
Sneezing
Lack of Energy
Loss of Appetite
Reduced egg production and/or soft- shelled or misshapen eggs.
Nasal Discharge
Loss of coordination
Diarrhea