Rick Pate
Back during the first week of December last year, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock in Lawrence County. This week’s “Around the State with Commissioner Rick Pate” features Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier. He told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman how important it is for commercial and backyard poultry operations to remain alert and closely monitor the health of their poultry.
HPAI symptoms include:
- Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock
- Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing and nasal discharge
- Watery and green diarrhea
- Lack of energy and poor appetite
- Drop in egg production or soft or thin-shelled, misshaped eggs
- Swelling around the eyes, neck and head
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs
- Ruffled feathers, listlessness and lethargy
Report sick or dead wild birds to the Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation at 334-242-3469.
Report sick or dead domestic birds and poultry to ADAI’s Poultry Unit at 334-240-6584.
That’s our weekly Around the State with Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.