A broiler breeder flock in northwestern Arkansas was infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza, part of an autumn resurgence of the viral disease (HPAI), said the Agriculture Department. Arkansas ranks third among states in production of broiler chickens, which are grown for human consumption. A broiler breeder farm produces the eggs that begin the process.
More than 6 million birds in domestic flocks, mainly chickens and turkeys, died of HPAI or were culled to prevent spread of the disease during September, according to USDA data. An additional 270,000 birds died in the first week of October. Nearly 47.2 million birds have died since outbreaks of bird flu began in February. The outbreaks have cut into egg production and driven up the price of turkey breast meat.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture asked the USDA to consider whether ventilation shutdowns should be added to the list of preferred techniques to kill infected flocks, reported Lancaster Farming. The practice, called Ventilation Shutdown Plus, involves shutting off air flow in chicken barns and turning up the heat to 104 degrees or releasing carbon dioxide gas or both. At present, it is used only when other methods, such as using a foam to smother birds or carbon dioxide gas to asphyxiate them, are impractical.
Arkansas was the 43rd state where HPAI has been discovered this year. The disease was confirmed in a backyard flock in the Albuquerque area one day before the Arkansas outbreak. Officials did not say how many hens were on the broiler breeder farm in Arkansas.
“Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds,” said the USDA. It also urged owners to prevent contact between their flocks and wild birds, which can spread bird flu through their droppings.
Arkansas grew more than 1 billion broilers with a value of $3.97 billion last year. North Carolina led the nation with $4.3 billion in broilers, followed by Georgia with $4.2 billion worth of broilers, said an annual USDA report.