The recent, nationwide spread of Avian Flu this spring has the attention and concern of local farmers and Ag producers. Angie Ullness is the UW-Extension, Ag Agent for Manitowoc County.
“The Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu, is a respiratory disease in birds caused by the influenza-A virus. Any wild birds, ducks, gulls, shorebirds can carry and spread the virus.” Adding, “They can carry it and never show any signs of the illness, however, Avian Influenza can kill domestic poultry.”
In fact, more than 28 million poultry have died from the avian flu in the last few months. Ullness says eight farms in Wisconsin, including one in Sheboygan County, have a confirmed case of avian flu and she lists some of the tell-tale signs of the virus.
“They start gasping for air, have difficulty breathing, they stumble often or fall down, nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing, they just don’t seem like they want to eat. They’ll have a little bit of purple discoloration maybe on their comb or their legs and their eyes start swelling a little bit.” She noted, “People just really need to watch.”
Despite the best-concerted effort to combat and eradicate the spread, several swap meets and bird shows have been canceled this spring.
“These commercial practices they’re using for biosecurity, they’re disinfecting their shoes, hands, all the flats and the crates in the vehicles that are coming in and out of those places. They’re isolating their birds so they don’t get any source of infection.”
As for the avian flu affecting the summer fair season, including Manitowoc County in August, Ullness says “it’s too soon to tell.” But there is great news for consumers in that eggs and poultry are safe to eat.
“There isn’t any harm as long as you’re cooking the eggs completely and there is no human case of it in the United States.”
For more information, contact the Wisconsin Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection of the United States Department of Agriculture.
