Backyard Flock Has Northeast Missouri’s First Positive HPAI Infection

A backyard flock in Ralls County is Missouri’s latest positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the first among domesticated birds in Northeast Missouri.  According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the collection of 75 non-poultry birds tested positive for the virus Tuesday and were depopulated Thursday morning.  Earlier this week on Ag Insight, Missouri Department of Agriculture communications director Christi Miller explained the state’s quarantine procedures.

Miller stresses the importance for commercial producers and backyard flock owners to enhance their biosecurity measures, especially as Missouri has also confirmed 24 cases of HPAI in wild, migratory birds.

USDA indicates that several of the positive cases were geese hunted in Chariton County, while positive cases have also been reported among wild birds found deceased in Buchanan, Clay, and Saint Louis counties.  Anyone suspecting an infection of highly pathogenic avian influenza among their birds is urged to contact their veterinarian or the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Information about HPAI is available on the state ag department and USDA websites.