Avian Influenza Found in Maine, Here’s How to Protect Your Birds

Now that Avian Influenza has been diagnosed in Maine, health and wildlife officials have tips for keeping your birds safe.

Maine Health Officials Are Concerned About Diagnosed Cases of HPAI in Wild Birds

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through direct contact with infected poultry, wild birds, contaminated equipment, and even on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. While the virus can spread to humans, it has never been diagnosed in the United States, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. While the Maine CDC considers the human health risk low, it is high for birds in Maine.

READ MORE: What Can Mainers Use Instead of Eggs in Their Recipes?

Maine CDC Says HPAI Produces Several Symptoms Including Sudden Death

No cases of HPAI have been detected in Maine's domestic flock for nearly a year, but recent detections in wild birds in Southern Maine signal that the virus remains active. Symptoms of HPAI include:

• Sudden death with no prior symptoms.
• Decreased energy and appetite.
• Drop in egg production or misshapen eggs.
• Swelling and discoloration of the head, comb, wattles, and legs.
• Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, or diarrhea.
• Incoordination or neurological symptoms.

If a flock owner believes one or more of their birds are infected, they are urged to contact the USDA at 1-866-536-7593. Anyone wishing to report a dead or wild bird can call the Maine DIFW at 207-287-8000 or, after hours, 1-800-452-4664.

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Domestic Flock Owners in Maine Can Take Precautions to Avoid Spreading HPAI

Flock owners are urged to use protective measures since the virus can spread quickly to domestic poultry, like chickens, ducks, geese, and guinea hens:

• Limit contact between domestic and wild birds by keeping birds indoors or in fully enclosed outdoor spaces.
• Practice biosecurity measures, like washing hands before and after handling birds, wearing clean clothing, and sanitizing boots and equipment between coops.
• Prevent equipment sharing and disinfecting tools and supplies between uses.
• Provide clean drinking water from municipal or well sources - avoid surface water that could be contaminated.
• Store feed securely to prevent contact with wild birds or rodents.
• Minimize farm visits and avoid places where birds congregate.
• Monitor flocks for illness and report any unusual signs of disease.

Whether these measures will affect poultry shows and state fairs this summer remains to be seen. People with close or prolonged, unprotected exposure to infected wildlife or environments contaminated by them are at greater risk of infection.

Ways to protect themselves include:

• Avoiding exposure to sick or dead animals.
• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling or in close contact with sick or dead animals that may have come into contact with HPAI-infected animals or animal feces.
• Cooking poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses, and choosing pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk.

If you are exposed, the Maine CDC recommends monitoring for symptoms and contacting a healthcare provider if any are detected.