Connecticut agriculture authorities are asking in-state poultry growers of all sizes to register their flocks to avoid spreading bird flu that has spurred disposal of more than 48 million West and Midwest birds since late 2014.
The state Department of Agriculture said Thursday no cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been detected in Connecticut – home to an estimated 5 million poultry – or the Northeast. The virus poses a low risk to humans and the food supply, the agency said.
Poultry are typically infected by direct contact with wild birds or a contaminated environment, and there is concern that the virus may spread to the Northeast during the fall or spring wild bird migration. It is also spread by the movement of infected poultry, contaminated poultry equipment, and people who can transfer the virus between farms on their shoes and clothing.
Most of Connecticut’s poultry are owned by several large and medium-sized commercial egg-producing operations, with the remaining in backyard and relatively small commercial flocks,Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky said.
It is particularly important that small-flock owners register with the state, because the virus typically spreads to poultry from wild birds and, once established, can grow rapidly.
Poultry owners may register their flocks with the state by going to the homepage of the Dept. of Agriculture’s website: CTGrown.gov.
Meanwhile, the ag agency and other state and federal agencies, Reviczky said, have created a task force that is preparing for a potential incident of HPAI in Connecticut, and is ready to implement a response plan if necessary.
The task force includes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection – which is responsible for monitoring the wild bird population – the Department of Public Health, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.
