There are ongoing biosecurity efforts and preparations on both the state and federal level following the confirmation of low pathogenic avian influenza in Missouri and Texas recently. The low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus occurs naturally in wild migratory waterfowl and shorebirds without causing illness. LPAI can occur in domestic poultry with little or no sign of illness. However, there is the potential for low pathogenic viruses to evolve into highly pathogenic viruses. The highly pathogenic virus is extremely infectious, often fatal to domestic poultry, and can spread rapidly from flock-to-flock. This makes it important to check for and respond to both low-path and high-path avian influenza.
“The low path avian influenza cases in Missouri and Texas highlight again the risks facing our poultry producers. We have seen poultry farms investing in biosecurity improvements in recent years to protect their birds and keep them healthy. That is their focus all year long, but as we enter the spring migration season it is important they remain diligent in their biosecurity efforts,” Naig said.
Iowa broiler, egg, and turkey farmers are updating their biosecurity measures and are making investments to help prevent this disease from getting on their farm. Poultry farms need to have a biosecurity plan to qualify for USDA identification. There are materials through the Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine to help update biosecurity plans, check out their suggestions here.
The Iowa Department of Land and Stewardship recommends all livestock premises that have one or more animals have an official premises identification number, which may be obtained for free through the department, as they update the Iowa Premises Registration database. Farmers can obtain or update their premises information here or call the Department at their toll free at 888-778-7675.