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Poultry industry must stay vigilant to prevent avian flu

The new chairman of the National Chicken Council says avian influenza continues to have the poultry industry on high alert.

The virus devastated the turkey and egg-laying industries earlier this year, and although no flu cases have been reported with broilers, Todd Simmons tells Brownfield producers need to stay vigilant.

“In our meeting in Washington (last month) we said it’s time to turn up the attention again and review our programs.  The things we say we’re doing; are we actually getting them done.  Let’s reinforce with our grower-partners.”

Waterfowl are now migrating south and there is concern birds in the Atlantic flyway could bring avian flu into the southeast and Mid Atlantic, where broiler production is heavily concentrated.

Simmons is calling on individual growers and companies to adhere to the most stringent guidelines possible in hopes of preventing the spread of the virus.

“Recognize that it only takes one mistake to introduce avian influenza into your flocks.  So, not having proper rodent and wild bird protection in your houses.  Making sure that vehicles are sprayed down.  Not letting your pets run into your houses when you’re checking on the chickens.”

Simmons, CEO of Arkansas-based Simmons Foods, says it’s the little things growers need to focus on to ensure the wild bird population doesn’t infect commercial flocks.