Highly contagious bird flu detected in Butler County; quarantine and depopulation in effect

HAMILTON — A contagious bird flu known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been detected in Butler County.

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The virus was found in a backyard poultry flock on November 8th, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) said.

Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory first tested the infected samples, which was then confirmed by APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

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State officials quarantined and depopulated the affected area to prevent the spread of the disease, a spokesperson stated in a press release.

Butler County General Health District (BCGHD), Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the Ohio Department of Health are investigating this outbreak.

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HPAI can spread quickly, “devastating” commercial and non-commercial poultry, the spokesperson said. The disease can also infect humans.

However, this recent detection “does not present an immediate public health concern to the residents of Butler County or neighboring areas,” the spokesperson said.

USDA recommends properly handling and cooking all poultry and eggs to prevent transmission. An internal cooking temperature of 165 degrees is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

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Ohio Department of Agriculture recommends these tips to maintain biosecurity:

• Prevent contact with wild birds and waterfowl. Keep birds indoors when possible.
• Keep visitors to essential personnel only. Only allow those who care for your poultry to have contact with them and make sure they follow biosecurity principles.
• Wash your hands before and after contact with live poultry. Use soap and water. If using a hand sanitizer, first remove manure, feathers, and other materials from your hands.
• Provide disposable boot covers (preferred) and/or disinfectant footbaths for anyone having contact with your flock. If using a footbath, remove all droppings, mud or debris from boots and shoes using a long-handled brush BEFORE stepping in. Always keep it clean.
• Establish a rodent and pest control program. Deliver, store, and maintain feed, ingredients, bedding, and litter to limit exposure to and contamination from wild animals.
• Use drinking water sourced from a contained supply (well or municipal system). Do not use surface water for drinking or cleaning.
• Clean and disinfect tools and equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility. Trucks, tractors, tools, and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected prior to entering or exiting the property. Do not move or reuse anything that cannot be cleaned.
• Look for signs of illness. Monitor egg production and death loss, discoloration and/or swelling of legs, wattles and combs, labored breathing, reduced feed/water consumption.

Officials recommend reporting any symptoms or unexpected deaths in flocks to the Ohio Poultry Association at 614-882-6111. You can also contact Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6220 during normal business hours or at 888-456-3405 if it is after hours.

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