New reports cite the spread and outbreak of the Avian Influenza (AI) virus has reached a cage free commercial egg farm in Jefferson County, Wis. and a commercial egg farm in Osceola County, Iowa. As background, AI is caused by a flu-type virus that can infect poultry such as turkeys and chickens. Currently, Egg Innovations, headquartered in Warsaw, is not impacted or affected.

“We pride ourselves on humane treatment of our chickens as well as proactive, honest communication with our customers,” said John Brunnquell, president of Egg Innovations. “This is a critical and important time to share our safety and protection plans as we maintain a high standard at all our farms.”

Contrary to many beliefs, AI is not contracted at only free-range farms where hens have outside access. The reality is it happens when there are breakdowns in the biosecurity guidelines as follows:

• Restrict on-farm access to essential employees only;
• Follow on-farm disinfecting procedures such as the use of foot baths;
• Limit movement between farm operations;
• Require protective gear be used at all times for anyone who enters egg farms; and
• Work closely with animal health experts and veterinarians to monitor flocks.

Egg Innovations upholds the guidelines above while also having safety and sterilization procedures to ensure the health of its chickens. The company currently sends serum samples from barns to check for AI. Additionally, the company has implemented a “No visitor policy” and recyclable single-use paper trays versus reusable plastic.

“We also work closely with the United Egg Producers to ensure all care and procedures are covered and always practice excellent biosecurity with our chickens,” added Brunnquell.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low. No human infections with the virus have been detected at this time.

Additional details can be found through the USDA’s announcement as well.

Egg Innovations is a 100 percent Free Range and Pasture Raised egg company that believes in humanely raising hens. To learn more about Egg Innovations, please visit http://www.egginnovations.com.

*Provided by Egg Safety Center: http://www.eggsafety.org/mediacenter/news/226-avian-influenza-q-a.