What is being done to monitor for H5N1 bird flu in domestic poultry flocks?
When poultry producers see disease warning signs in their flocks, they contact their veterinarian. If the veterinarian suspects a form of avian influenza, he or she is required to contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH). Minnesota was among the first states to work with turkey growers to establish a voluntary monitoring network, beginning in 1986. BAH is creating a similar monitoring network for the state’s commercial egg and broiler producers. A turkey processing plant surveillance program was created several years ago to identify infected flocks. BAH is working with small backyard flocks to diagnose, control and prevent influenza using biosecurity, sanitation and disease control measures. The state is working to bring veterinarians, poultry producers and others up to speed about the warning signs of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.
