Avian Influenza & Outbreak Update

Most recent news . . .

Since February 2, 2022, we have been monitoring the outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Initially cases were detected in Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia. To date, 25 states have reported AI outbreaks.

Positives have been detected in both commercial and backyard poultry settings.

Some states are still allowing movement as long as birds are not being transported in or out of state. In many cases, that still accommodates racing. However, several State Veterinarians have restricted movement and co-mingling of birds (swap sales, poultry shows, etc.). In some states, this includes bringing pigeons from multiple lofts together for shipping for races even within the state.

When we discuss the outbreak with state and federal officials, we present our national loft certification program. We assure the officials that members that have certified lofts practice biosecurity in their loft to ensure the health of their birds. We remind them that the biosecurity protocols (found at https://pigeon.org/pages/biosecurity.html) were reviewed and approved by the USDA.

While many of the officials we are working with believe that pigeons are not problematic with regard to AI, they are charged with protecting multi-million dollar poultry industry within their state.

Typically, when a positive is detected, a control (quarantine) zone is put in place. Tests are then routinely conducted within a 10-mile radius. Officials wait a certain period of

time (30 days from the last time a positive was detected) to consider lifting the quarantine. At that time, movement may resume.

A list of the State Veterinarians is found at

https://www.usaha.org/upload/Federal%20and%20State%20Health/STATE_ANIMAL_H

EALTH_OFFICIALS.pdf

We encourage members to monitor the situation within their state to determine what movement is allowed.

AU Bio-Security Recommendations

Basic bio-security measures should always be used. It is more important than ever to make sure you are cleaning your loft regularly, washing hands going in and out of the loft, monitoring or perhaps restricting others from going in and out of your loft and placing new birds in a quarantine section before integrating them with your other birds.

AU Bio-Security Recommendations are found at:

http://www.pigeon.org/loftcertificationpolicy.htm

Other Ways You Can Help

The AU also developed the Loft Certification Program many years ago. We have encouraged members to participate in this self-regulating program to illustrate optimum care is provided the birds. It is achieved through a point system and is based on practicing basic bio-security. The AU Loft Certification Program doesn’t cost anything. For more information, please feel free to call the national office (800-755- 2778).