Poultry owners on alert as deadly bird flu season returns

Poultry owners are being urged to stay alert as fall migration increases the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu. The article notes that detections typically rise in both autumn and spring as migrating wild birds can introduce the virus to new areas and spread it to domestic flocks. Avian influenza is caused by influenza type A viruses and can vary in severity: highly pathogenic strains can wipe out flocks within days, while low pathogenicity strains may cause few signs in wild birds but can later become highly pathogenic in poultry. The current U.S. outbreak traces back to Feb. 8, 2022. Officials expect case numbers to fluctuate with wild bird movement. The article lists 10 warning signs, highlights biosecurity as a key defense, and points out the U.S. has more than 378.5 million egg-laying chickens.