Resource Number: 32048850
Alternate name: Bird Flu, H5N1 Avian Flu

Description
UPDATE 4/2/24: As of March 2024, Officials from the state Department of Public Health and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture said there were no cases reported in any cattle or other livestock in Connecticut. Cases of the HPAI infections have been detected in cows on several dairy farms across several states. Transmission occurred from cow to cow, but it was announced that a person in Texas who worked closely with the cows had also been infected. Transmission to humans still remains low and if a human gets infected, symptoms are very mild. Monitoring by Connecticut public health officials will continue and the general public will be made aware of any increases in cases. Additionally, Connecticut officials sought to stress that the state’s commercial milk supply was safe because of the pasteurization process required for interstate commerce.

The CT Department of Agriculture is advising all poultry producers (commercial and backyard) to practice good biosecurity and keep their birds away from wild ducks and geese and their droppings. Poultry owners who observe sick birds, unexplained deaths, or a sudden decrease in egg production, should make a report to the Connecticut State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or [email protected].
______________________________

Avian Influenza (AI), commonly called bird flu, is a viral infection of birds. Wild waterfowl have been the most frequent source of the virus: ducks, geese, gulls and shorebirds are considered principal reservoirs. Domesticated birds including chickens, ducks, and turkeys can also become infected.

AI viruses are classified as either highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) or low pathogenic AI (LPAI). HPAI is highly contagious in domestic poultry and results in widespread mortality; there is no effective treatment or vaccine. Since 2014, there have been several HPAI incidents along flyways in the United States.

AI can spread via bird-to-bird contact and can travel on farming equipment and materials, as well as clothing, shoes and hands. Poultry owners - both commercial and backyard - are encouraged to practice good biosecurity to reduce the risk of infection. Signs of AI include decreased feed and water consumption, decreased egg production, soft or misshapen eggs, and respiratory signs (coughing and sneezing). Flock owners who suspect AI in their birds should call the CT State Veterinarian.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, maintains a State Avian Influenza Monitoring and Response Plan (AIMRP).

Program Phones: 860-713-2505 Voice State Veterinarian

Main Contact Rebecca Eddy Public Information Officer 860-573-0323 [email protected] Senior Administrator Dr Jane Lewis State Veterinarian 860-713-2506 [email protected]

Website: portal.ct.gov/DOAG/Regulatory/Regulatory/Avian-Influenza-Information Email: [email protected]

Categorized as:

Public Health Advisories * Avian Flu Animal Control Skip Navigation Links.