Missouri halts poultry events as avian influenza spreads to multiple counties

To help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Missouri Department of Agriculture has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri counties containing control areas or surveillance zones as determined by the Department.

Federal officials have confirmed cases of HPAI in commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, and Lawrence counties. The suspension will extend to other counties if additional cases are confirmed in the weeks to come.

HPAI is a contagious viral disease known to be deadly for domesticated poultry. It has impacted poultry in all 50 states since first confirmed in the United States in 2022.

“The Missouri Department of Agriculture is working hard to contain and eliminate the HPAI virus,” said Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg. “Restricting comingling of poultry is crucial to stopping the spread of avian influenza in Missouri. As always, we encourage all poultry producers to tighten biosecurity protocols.”

Avian influenza viruses, commonly called “bird flu,” are influenza type A viruses that naturally occur in bird populations. The viruses are transmitted from bird to bird through fecal droppings, saliva and nasal discharge. Avian influenza viruses can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl) and wild birds (especially waterfowl). Two serotypes of avian influenza are of concern in the United States, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI).

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a serious disease and requires rapid response because it is highly contagious and often fatal to chickens. The goal is to quickly contain and eradicate the disease, protecting the poultry industry, and in turn, consumers.

If you notice any of the signs below in your flock please contact one of our poultry program team members at the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Decrease in water or feed consumption

Respiratory signs, such as coughing and sneezing

Quietness among the flock

Decrease in egg production

Sudden increase of death in your flock

Poultry can still be sold and exhibited in unaffected counties at this time, with strict biosecurity measures in place.

Poultry producers should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or an unusual increase in death loss to the state veterinarian’s office at (573) 751-3377.

For more information about avian influenza in Missouri, visit https://agriculture.mo.gov/avian-influenza.php.