U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a commercial chicken flock in Oklahoma has been confirmed as having a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza.
According to a May 1 USDA news release, the Animal and Plant health Inspection Service is working with state officials on a joint incident response including quarantining the premises and depopulating the infected birds to prevent spreading the avian influenza. The birds from the infected flock will not enter the food system.
"According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low," the news release reported. "As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended as a general food safety precaution."
The news release urges everyone inolved in poultry production, including small backyard flocks and large commercial producers, to review their biosecurity activities to ensure their birds remain healthy.
If you see any sick birds, it's encouraged to contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian immediately. To help prevent the spread of avian influenza, wash your hands after handling birds, disinfect your equipment and keep your bird area clean and disinfected. You should also avoid contact with sick birds. If you have any questions, call the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture at 405-522-6999.
