A flock of commercial poultry in Cullman County has tested positive for low pathogenic avian influenza, according the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.

State ag officials say the low pathogenic strain of bird flu does not pose a risk to the food supply, and no affected poultry have entered the food chain. The risk of human infection with avian influenza during poultry outbreaks is very low, said State Veterinarian, Dr. Tony Frazier. 

A “stop movement” order has been in place since March 15, banning all bird exhibitions of any kind until further notice. 

The stop movement order reads: “all poultry exhibitions in the State of Alabama are prohibited until this order is lifted by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). In addition, the concentration, collection, or assembly of poultry of all types, including waterfowl and wild and exotic birds, from one or more premises, at a private or public place, for purposes of sale is prohibited until this order is lifted by ADAI. This includes, but is not limited to, poultry exhibitions or sales at regional and county fairs, festivals, swap meets, exotic sales and live bird markets, flea markets and auctions.”

Frazier encourages commercial poultry producers and backyard flock owners to observe their birds closely and continue to practice strict biosecurity measures. These include:

• Isolating poultry from other animals

• Wearing clothing designated for use only at the poultry house

• Minimizing access to people and unsanitized equipment

• Keeping the area around the poultry buildings clean and uninviting to wild birds and animals

• Sanitizing the facility between flocks

• Cleaning equipment entering and leaving the farm

• Having an all in, all out policy regarding the placement and removal of the poultry

• Properly disposing of bedding material and mortalities

• Avoiding contact with migratory waterfowl

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has created a website (www.AlabamaAvianInfluenza.com) to assist backyard flock owners with maintaining healthy birds and to provide answers for avian influenza control.

For more information, contact the ADAI Poultry Division at 334-240-6584 or the USDA at 1-866-536-7593 if birds show unusual signs of disease (flu-like symptoms) or flocks experiences unexplained mortalities.

Tiffeny Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 135.