More chickens in Alabama confirmed with 'low-pathogenic' avian flu

A laboratory employee works with avian influenza virus samples.
A laboratory employee works with avian influenza virus samples.

Alabama agriculture officials say chickens at a poultry operation in Pickens County and a backyard flock in Madison County have both tested positive for low-pathogenic avian influenza, state Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier said in a statement this week.

The primary difference between low-pathogenic avian influenza and highly-pathogenic avian influenza is the mortality rate among poultry, officials said. Avian influenza virus strains often occur naturally in wild migratory birds without causing illness in those birds.

With the low pathogenic variety, domesticated chickens and turkeys may show little or no signs of illness, but the highly-pathogenic version is often fatal for domesticated poultry. Some Tennessee cases are the more deadly variety, officials said.

Dr. Frazier reminds all poultry owners and producers to strictly adhere to biosecurity guidelines. For now, backyard flock owners should refrain from moving birds offsite or introducing new birds.

The ADAI Poultry Division is available to answer any questions concerning movement of poultry and should be notified at 334-240-6584 and/or USDA at 1-866-536-7593 if birds show unusual signs of disease (flu-like symptoms) or flocks experience unexplained deaths.

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