By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension continues to provide education, outreach, and response coordination to help limit the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza across North Dakota. The virus continues to affect poultry and dairy operations, keeping producers and communities alert.
HPAI is an extremely contagious disease of poultry that causes high mortality. Wild birds remain the main carriers and spread the virus during migration, creating ongoing risk for poultry owners. Even when seasonal migration slows, residential wildlife can still carry the virus in areas with open water.
North Dakota State University Extension focuses on outreach, biosecurity education, and coordination with partners to reduce risk.
“We’ve seen a consistent pattern of a wave, then a lull, over the last few years’ migratory seasons,” says Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian.
This year brought an unusual late-season wave with four cases in December and one in January. While migratory birds may have moved out of the state, local wildlife continues to carry the virus.
Dr. Galbreath has been busy with in-person education sessions across the state, from Williston to Lamoure. These free sessions teach producers and community members how to protect backyard flocks and commercial operations. Attendees learn about personal protective equipment and other biosecurity steps, and Dr. Galbreath explains how the virus spreads. Hunters and members of FFA and 4-H also attend to learn how to stay cautious while continuing their activities.
The outreach effort works closely with North Dakota Health and Human Services and the Center for Immunization Research and Education. Education highlights that HPAI is not currently considered a serious human health threat, and there is no human-to-human transmission, but strong biosecurity remains essential.
Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist and disaster education coordinator, works with local Extension agents to monitor cases and keep communities informed.
“The biggest thing we’ve learned through this whole experience is the importance of really strong relationships and lines of communication with our state partners, specifically the Department of Agriculture, the state vet’s office and our emergency managers,” says Meehan.
After an infected flock is depopulated, safe disposal is critical. Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist, helps oversee carcass disposal through high-heat composting.
“My job is making sure everyone knows and follows the protocol, and then we monitor to make sure the virus is eliminated on the operation,” says Keena.
Keena has witnessed North Dakota producer's emotions and stress, highlighting that strong biosecurity remains essential.
“And yet,” she says, “we are not immune to geese flying over.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Poultry