As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to spread, University of Missouri Extension veterinarians urge strict biosecurity operations.
Measures include restricting the birds from exposure to other animals and wildlife. Avian influenza has been confirmed in five southwestern Missouri counties thus far affecting commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, Lawrence, and Barry counties.
To slow the spread, the state has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri counties containing control areas or surveillance zones. The USDA reports that there have been 18 affected commercial flocks and one affected backyard flock in Missouri, which has resulted in the depopulation of over 2-point-8-million birds in the state over the past 30 days.
-Missourinet
