By Jeff BurbrInk
Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Elkhart County

Jeff Burbrink
Extension Educator, Purdue University Elkhart County

GOSHEN — Avian Flu H5N1 was discovered in Elkhart County about three weeks ago, and has been found in other communities around the U.S. since February. This seems like a good time to review some of the common questions we have been hearing about the situation.

Can we feed birds at our bird feeder?

So far, the biggest concerns about the spread of avian flu has been due to movement of the virus between wild aquatic birds and domesticated flocks. The Indiana Board of Animal Health has okayed feeding songbirds at backyard feeders. However, they strongly suggest you not feed wild geese, ducks, swans and other wild aquatic birds.

I have a small backyard flock. What should I be doing to protect my birds?

First, consider penning the birds to minimize their contact with wild, potentially flu carrying birds. The good news is, since the start of testing here in the county, no backyard flocks within the zone of concern have tested positive.

Second, keep an eye on your birds. If they go off feed or egg production drops, that is a warning sign you should have them tested. Call BOAH at (371) 544-2387 if those symptoms or others like lethargic behavior are noticeable.

Third, register your flock was BOAH at www.in.gov/boah/forms/indiana-premises-identification-registration. If the virus appears in your neighborhood, you will receive instructions on what to do. It only takes a few minutes.

Fourth, practice good biosecurity methods by wearing clean boots, not visiting other flocks, etc.

What is done when a flock is detected with Avian Influenza?

First, a circle is drawn around that facility extending 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), called the control zone. All flocks within that circle will be tested repeatedly for about a month (minimum). In additional, another circle, of another 6.2 miles, is drawn from the outer boundary of the first circle. Birds in that circle will be tested, with lesser frequency.

If a flock within a circle is found to be positive, a new set of circles is drawn around that facility. The second and third barns found positive in Elkhart County were both within the original control zone of our first positive test, so the new circles have quite a bit of overlap.

What is going on behind the scenes?

Avian flu is taken very seriously. BOAH has visited more than 1,200 homes looking for backyard flocks. Local poultry companies and their employees, local veterinarians, and the employees of BOAH are pulling samples daily and sending them to the Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab at Purdue. The Indiana State Police are assisting by shuttling those samples to Lafayette. If a sample tests positive, a confirmation sample is conducted at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. Once confirmed, the flock is euthanized with approved methods, and then composted.

Flocks that test negative are issued a permit so they move birds, and eggs for their facility.

Is the food supply safe?

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this H5N1 virus. No cases of human infection have been reported. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for influenza-like illness. It is important to note that eggs and meat purchased directly from a farm have most likely not been tested for Avian Flu.

Has this affected the amount of poultry and eggs being sold to consumers?

Yes. You may have noticed egg and poultry meat prices have risen since the outbreak began in the U.S. This is a direct result of the supply of eggs and meat being disrupted. As BOAH and officials in other states get a handle on this outbreak, process will stabilize.

What if I find a dead bird in my yard?

One dead bird is not typically a sign that avian flu is causing an issue. More than four or five dead birds may be a sign something has changed for the worse. If you find a single dead bird, you can bury it in your backyard or dispose of it in the outgoing trash. Be sure to handle the bird with disposable gloves for cautions sake.

If you find several sick or injured birds, contact the USDA Health Bird Hotline at (866) 536-7593. They will give you instructions to deal with the issue.