Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Whether you have a few birds or a few thousand, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a concern for the health and wellbeing of your flock. Please visit the USDA Defend the Flock website to learn how to adapt disease prevention practices on your farm or in your backyard.
Most Importantly, Limit Contact Between Wild Birds and Domestic Birds.
Use the above USDA link to learn how to set up a ‘line of separation’ to prevent you from carrying the virus into your poultry housing via your shoes, clothing or feeding and cleaning equipment. And keep the following practices in mind:
- Put a roof or tarp over your poultry housing to prevent wild birds from defecating into the livestock holding areas as they fly over. If your birds are free range, move them indoors if possible or do your best to reduce their interactions with wild birds, ie. Fencing.
- Protect your poultry feed and equipment from contact with wild birds or their excrement.
- Remove all feeds or other enticements from your yard so as not to attract wild birds.
- Wash or sanitize your hands before and after handling birds or associated feed, eggs, equipment, etc.
Things to Remember
- If you are a chicken or other poultry owner and you are concerned that your birds are showing signs of illness or suddenly die, please contact your veterinarian immediately. If you don’t have a relationship with a veterinarian, contact the Office of the ND State Vet at 701-328-2655.
- If you see any wild birds, waterfowl, dead or showing signs of illness, please immediately notify ND Game and Fish via their ‘Wildlife Mortality Report’ link: https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/
diseases/mortality-report. DO NOT TOUCH THE ANIMAL - If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to NDLA’s Executive Director Amber Boeshans 701-712-1488.
Stay Up-To-Date
Get the Latest from the Defend the Flock campaign led by USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service on Facebook.
Stay Up-To-Date with NDLA to follow the outbreak and get guidance on how to protect your poultry.
Who To Contact
If you are a chicken or other poultry owner and you are concerned that your birds are showing signs of illness or suddenly die, please contact your veterinarian immediately. If you don’t have a relationship with a veterinarian, contact the Office of the ND State Vet at 701-328-2655.