This story was updated Wednesday Dec. 11 at 12:48 p.m. to add information about another detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in a separate commercial flock.
Two commercial chicken flocks in northeastern Oklahoma have been culled after testing positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.
The bird flu is contagious and causes illness and death in domestic poultry. It was found in two separate commercial flocks in Adair County, one on Nov. 30 and another on Dec. 8. Lee Benson, an Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry spokesperson, said about 64,000 broiler breeder chickens were euthanized to contain the virus. On Dec. 10, the department confirmed another detection and he said about 40,000 birds were culled.
In a recent press release, Oklahoma State Veterinarian Rodd Hall said the department is continuing to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, poultry and livestock producers to manage the virus’ spread.
“We knew it was possible that HPAI may be detected in more than one flock due to the virus being circulated around the country by wild waterfowl,” Hall said.
Because the illness has been in the U.S. since 2022, Benson said the department has been preparing for a situation like this.
“This confirmed positive happens, our Avian Influenza Response Plan was activated and right now, we're working with USDA and poultry producers and livestock producers to control and mitigate the spread of the disease here in Oklahoma,” Benson said.
Both detections triggered control zones in Adair County and Delaware County. In the zone, Benson said there will be surveillance testing and restricted movement of poultry.
“And so the actual flock, that area, they’ll be under quarantine for roughly a month,” Benson said. “In order for it to be released from quarantine, they'll have to be essentially all cleaned out and no signs of the virus anywhere else in that area.”
The last commercial flock in the state was infected with the illness was in the spring of 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It’s been detected in nine Oklahoma backyard flocks since then, most recently last month.
Oklahoma State University Extension experts say the illness is a year-round concern, but the virus is more common when migratory birds are active, mostly in the spring and fall. Extension specialists encourage flock owners to take additional biosecurity measures, such as preventing contact with wild birds and restricting visitor access.
“Flock owners should take every precaution to protect their flock from HPAI by preventing their poultry’s exposure to wild birds and any areas where wild birds have been,” according to a press release from Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry.
Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the department’s website. State officials urge producers who might see signs of the illness in flocks to quickly contact their veterinarian. Possible cases should be reported to the department.
The bird flu has made headlines recently because it has infected other species, including mammals. During the summer, the illness was detected in Oklahoma dairy cows.
“According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern,” according to the press release. “There is no risk to the food supply, but the affected birds will not enter the food supply system.”
Department officials note proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs kills bacteria and viruses.
