COLUMBIA, Mo. – Strict biosecurity is urged in Missouri poultry operations to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has been confirmed in five southwestern Missouri counties.

Federal officials have confirmed HPAI in commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, Lawrence and Barry counties.

“Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a concern for large and small poultry flocks alike,” said Cory Bromfield, University of Missouri Extension veterinarian. “Small flocks include households with a handful or less of birds.”

To slow the spread, the Missouri Department of Agriculture has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri counties containing control areas or surveillance zones as determined by the department.

How is HPAI spread?

Infected birds can shed avian influenza viruses in saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with virus shed by infected birds. They also can become infected through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus.

“Since HPAI is spread by wild migratory birds, biosecurity and surveillance are tools producers should employ to protect the health of the birds,” said Bromfield.

Biosecurity measures

Restrict the birds from exposure to other animals and wildlife. Make sure coops and barns are in good repair and do not permit wild animal access (fix holes in screens, walls, etc.).

• Keep domestic birds away from areas that attract wild birds, like ponds, food, water and nesting sites.
• Wear dedicated clothing and footwear when around your birds. Do not wear these off the farm and only wear them around the birds.
• Disinfect footwear before entering the flock area.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling your birds.
• Avoid sharing tools and equipment with other farms. If you must share equipment, clean and disinfect supplies or vehicles that are exposed to other birds.

“Biosecurity is the No. 1 tool we have to protect poultry from diseases like HPAI,” said Tatijana Fisher, Lincoln University Extension state poultry specialist.

Signs of HPAI in poultry

• Decrease in water or feed consumption.
• Respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.
• Quietness among the flock.
• Decrease in egg production.
• Sudden increase of death in your flock.

“Chickens are more likely to show visible signs of HPAI than waterfowl,” Fisher said. “Waterfowl like ducks and geese do not always die from HPAI or show signs of illness, but they can carry the virus and spread it to other birds.”

If you suspect HPAI in your flock, contact your veterinarian and the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division at 573-751-3377.

“Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a serious virus and requires rapid response because it is highly contagious and most likely fatal to domestic poultry,” said Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg. “Our goal is to eradicate the virus to protect the Missouri poultry industry. We encourage producers to increase biosecurity practices around their flock.”

Should consumers be concerned?

“The current public health risk is low,” Fisher said. “While there have been over 60 confirmed cases in humans in the United States since early 2024, I am not aware of any cases where avian influenza has spread from person to person. Almost every single human case was the direct result of contact with infected dairy cattle or poultry.”

Poultry meat and eggs from USDA-inspected sources are safe to eat. “As long as individuals are following proper handling and cooking of poultry products, these products are safe to consume,” said Teagan Schnurbusch, MU Extension meat science specialist. “Proper handling and cooking include, but are not limited to, keeping products refrigerated or frozen until ready to cook, keeping raw poultry separate from other foods, and cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165 F. As always, individuals should thoroughly wash surfaces, utensils and hands after coming into contact with raw poultry.”

Contacts

• Cory Bromfield, MU Extension, bromfieldc@missouri.edu, 573-882-8181
• Tatijana Fisher, Lincoln University Extension, FisherT@LincolnU.edu, 573-681-5524
• Teagan Schnurbusch, MU Extension, trs6r3@mizzou.edu, 573-579-3804
• Christi Miller, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Christi.Miller@mda.mo.gov , 573-751-2613