First case of bird flu in Shelby County

SHELBY COUNTY – Texas’ first confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza of the year was found in a Shelby County commercial poultry flock this week, according to our news partners at KETK. The case was confirmed by the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory on Thursday after a “considerable mortality” was found in a Shelby County flock, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) said they’re working closely with the federal animal health officials to respond to the affected area, which has been quarantined. The TAHC added that they’re also monitoring areas nearby the quarantined flock.

“All bird owners should consider how they can keep their flocks healthy through enhanced biosecurity practices,” TAHC executive director and state veterinarian, Dr. Bud Dinges said. “Ensuring barriers between wild birds are established is critical. Watch birds closely for signs of illness and report sickness or unexpected deaths immediately.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes that H5N1 viruses, also known as the bird flu, pose a low risk to people in the United States but the TAHC reminded Texans that all poultry and eggs must be brought to an internal temperature of 165?F as a precaution.

The TAHC made the following recommendations to all Texas poultry producers in light of this news:

“Closely observe and report sudden increases in the number of sick birds or bird deaths to the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242 or APHIS 1-866-536-7593.”
“Practice good biosecurity with poultry and all other animals interacting with the flock.”
“Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds. Consider bringing birds indoors to further prevent exposures.”
“Avoid visits to other premises with susceptible animals and wash hands before and after handling birds.”
For more information and additional resources, visit the TAHC online.