Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has continued to be detected in new locations nationwide, including new counties in Kansas. As we have noted throughout the past year, this viral disease appears to be spread by the migration of wild birds which has Kansas’ domestic birds at risk once again. Poultry producers should remain vigilant, reviewing their biosecurity activities to protect the health of their birds.

We encourage poultry owners to monitor their flocks. If you have birds showing symptoms of HPAI (see list of symptoms below), contact your veterinarian or call KDA toll-free at 833-765-2006. Or email us at KDA.HPAI@ks.gov and we will call you back.

Updated information about highly pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S. can be found here: USDA HPAI web page.

For information about HPAI detections in dairy cattle or other livestock, go to the KDA webpage here: HPAI Detections in Livestock.

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 News Releases:

• KDA News Release 12-12-2023: Avian Influenza Identified in McPherson and Rice Counties
• KDA News Release 12-1-2023: HPAI Presumptive Positive in Pottawatomie County
• KDA News Release 11-3-2023: KDA Warns Poultry Owners of HPAI Resurgence Nationwide
• KDA News Release 12-1-2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Presumptive Positive in Pottawatomie County
• KDA News Release 10-20-2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Shawnee County
• KDA News Release 10-7-2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Returns to Kansas
• KDA News Release 4-11-2022: Avian Influenza Confirmed in Commercial Flock in McPherson County
• KDA News Release 3-18-2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Continues to Spread in Kansas
• KDA News Release 3-12-2022: USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Backyard Flock in Kansas
• KDA News Release 3-9-2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Wild Birds in Kansas
• KDA News Release 3-4-2022: KDA Advises Poultry Owners to Watch for Avian Influenza

Positive Cases of HPAI in Kansas

Current Statewide Situation
32 = Total affected premises
17 = Total affected counties

Visit the USDA website for further case information.

Definitions (these official designations are defined by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and used by KDA in cooperation with the USDA and OIE):

• Non-poultry: Birds that are kept in a single household, the products of which are used within the same household exclusively, are not considered poultry, if they have no direct or indirect contact with poultry or poultry facilities.
• Poultry: All birds reared or kept in captivity to produce any commercial animal products or for breeding for this purpose, fighting cocks used for any purpose, and all birds used for restocking supplies of game or for breeding for this purpose, until they are released from captivity.

What is Avian Influenza?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can infect many types of birds.

Avian influenza is contagious. It exists naturally in many wild birds and can be transmitted by contact with infected birds or ingestion of infected food or water. Although extremely rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable to the disease.

Symptoms to watch for: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If you suspect your flock contracted the disease, quarantine the affected birds and area immediately. Notify your veterinarian of any suspected cases or call the KDA Division of Animal Health at 833-765-2006 or email us at KDA.HPAI@ks.gov. No effective treatment for the disease has been found. Infected animals must be humanely destroyed and disposed of properly to prevent the disease from spreading.

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 Preventing HPAI

• Prevent contact with wild birds, especially wild waterfowl. Remove any potential nesting areas for wild birds.
• Cover and enclose outdoor feeding areas, and cover stored feed.
• Take all possible steps to separate wild birds from having any access to your flock or their living area.
• Clean and disinfect any vehicle tires or equipment that has been on other farms or other locations where there is poultry or wild birds.
• Wear clean clothing, boots and shoes when in contact with your flock.
• Restrict unauthorized people and vehicles.
• Isolate new birds.
• Stay informed about the health of birds in your area.

KDA Resources

• KDA Avian Influenza Fact Sheet
• KDA Protecting Your Small Flock
  
  • Spanish - Proteja su pequeno averio de la gripe aviar
• FAQ Page
  
  • FAQ - Spanish - Preguntas frecuentes

USDA Resources

• USDA Avian Influenza Information
• USDA HPAI Information
• Improving Biosecurity: Simple Wildlife Management Practices, USDA Fact Sheet
• Video: Simple Steps to Keep Backyard Poultry Healthy
• Biosecurity for Birds
• What to Expect if You Suspect
• Avian Influenza Basics for Organic and Pastured flocks
• Avian Influenza Basics for Urban and Backyard flocks
• Wildlife Management: Reducing Water Access
• Wildlife Management: Protecting Food Resources
• Wildlife Management: Preventing Access to Barns and Other Facilities

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