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Ohio takes measures to prevent avian influenza outbreak

 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is working with Ohio’s poultry producers to prevent outbreaks of avian influenza. ODA says there are NO reported cases of avian influenza in Ohio however multiple cases of low path avian influenza have been found in Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Wisconsin and Tennessee and high path avian influenza has been found in Tennessee and Alabama.

State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey says migrating birds from the south could carry the disease. He encourages all poultry producers, including organic and small-scale backyard farmers to confine their flocks if possible.

“Outdoor poultry, regardless of backyard flocks or what are going to be susceptible because these birds are going to be landing periodically to rest. So any protection we can give our poultry producers out there and our farmers is what we’re aiming to do,” says Forshey.

Forshey says if a producer should suspect an issue with their flocks they need to contact their veterinarian or the Ohio Department of Agriculture – Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220.

Officials remind consumers the virus does not pose a risk to the food supply.

Audio: Dr. Tony Forshey, State Veterinarian, Ohio Department of Agriculture