FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AVIAN INFLUENZA QUESTIONS

How can I protect my flock Avian Influenza (“bird flu”)?

To reduce the risk of avian influenza (and other diseases) in your flock, consider:

  1. Keeping other animals away from your flock (rodents, wild birds, dogs and cats).

  2. Changing or covering, your boots/clothes before entering flock area.

  3. Reducing visitors to your flock.

  4. Quarantining new birds or those returning from a show.

Can I give my birds a vaccine against Avian Influenza (“bird flu”)?

No vaccine is currently available in the US against avian influenza. The best way to avoid the disease is by following strict biosecurity measures.

Can I test my birds for Avian Influenza or other diseases?

For information about testing and costs, contact Purdue Veterinary Medicine Extension (https://vet.purdue.edu/engagement/extension.php) or check the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory - College of Veterinary Medicine - Purdue University (https://vet.purdue.edu/addl/) website.

You can also request a Free T-12 Flock Test from the Indiana State Poultry Association. For this you submit 12 eggs using a box that is mailed to you, at no charge. The T-12 Flock Test monitors Avian Influenza through a simple antibody test from your hens' eggs. To read more about the T-12 Flock Test and to request your free Test Kit CLICK HERE.

How can I reduce the risks of disease spreading from my Flock to my family (zoonotic diseases)?

  1. Always wash your hands after handling poultry or eggs.

  2. Have separate cloths and shoes to use in the flock areas (or throughly wash them).

  3. Do not eat in where your poultry are housed.

Do you have more questions about Avian Influenza or other poultry diseases? Reach to the following agency for more information:

Purdue University Extension

Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory - Purdue University

Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH)

QUARANTINING POULTRY

When and how should I quarantine my birds?

Some diseases can take days or even weeks to show signs in birds, which means that even if a bird appears healthy, it may still carry a disease.

Every new bird that is acquired should be quarantined for at least 30 days if possible before being introduced to your flock.

Any birds should be quarantined for at least 30 days if possible, before being reintroduced to the flock.

Keep quarantined birds separate from the other birds in a restricted area, with a 3 to 4-foot distance between the pens to prevent contact with contaminated air, dust, or body fluids.

CARCASS DISPOSAL

How can I dispose of a carcass?

WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICE

Carcasses can be double baged in a black trash bag, by placing the poultry carcass in a bag, securely tying up the black trash bag and then placing that black trash bag inside of another black trash bag, which is then securely tied up. You may then place the black trash bag in the trash container that is picked up by your regular trash service.

BURIAL

Carcasses should be buried with a sufficient covering to prevent resurfacing of any part of the carcass, scavenging, and odor emissions that create a public nuisance.

COMPOSTING

On-farm composting is an option for livestock owners. For more information, check the Indiana Board of Animal Health website: https://www.in.gov/boah/boah-rules/compliance-issues/dead-animal-disposal-options-in-indiana/

Purdue Extension Educator Online Training

Poultry biosecurity training modules for Purdue Extension Educators are being created by a team of Purdue University Professors, Grad Students, and staff. These modules will be available soon. Keep watching this space for more information.

Information on this page was made possible through a US Department of Agriculture NADPREP Grant. For more information on how funding was uttilized for this grant email Dr. Wendy Beauvais HERE.