Wyoming Emergency Poultry Rule Repealed
June 14, 2022
Wyoming’s emergency rule prohibiting commingling of poultry due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been repealed, effective Monday, June 13. The rule was passed on April 19 by the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) to limit the spread of HPAI. Since the initial diagnosis of HPAI within the US in February, the virus has spread across 36 states on 371 premises, affecting approximately 40 million poultry.
HPAI positive premises are declining in Wyoming, due primarily to a decrease in wild waterfowl migration. As the virus is transmitted via migratory birds, mainly wild ducks and geese, poultry owners are reminded to continue their vigilance against the highly fatal poultry disease by eliminating contact between wild waterfowl and domestic poultry. Due to declining cases both in Wyoming and across the US, the WLSB voted to repeal the emergency poultry order.
INFORMATION
With the repeal of the emergency poultry rule, local fair and extension officials are able to determine the status of their poultry exhibitions. The WLSB, along with the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services (USDA APHIS VS) will offer HPAI biosecurity information for fairs and exhibitions through a public webinar on Thursday, June 23, 8:30 am – 10:30 am. Please register in advance for the webinar via the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y_gVGKCqQBW9p8PEF9o3ew After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Information on the webinar may also be found on the WLSB website, https://wlsb.state.wy.us/public, and at “State of Wyoming Livestock Board” on Facebook.
Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity, along with recently confirmed locations, on the USDA APHIS website, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avianinfluenza/2022-hpai
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
REPORTING
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms. If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact WLSB, 307.777.8270 or 307.777.6440.
Source: Wyoming Livestock Board
