Kansas battles avian influenza outbreak in egg farms

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

The Kansas Department of Agriculture, alongside the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA–APHIS), has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two egg layer facilities in McPherson and Rice Counties. This recent discovery marks the fifth case in Kansas this fall, contributing to a total of 21 since the outbreak's onset in 2022.

In response, KDA and USDA–APHIS have initiated a coordinated incident response in the affected areas. The infected facilities had previously heightened their biosecurity measures following the initial outbreak. On detecting signs of HPAI in their flocks, they promptly contacted KDA. The premises are now under quarantine, and the affected birds will undergo humane depopulation to prevent disease spread.

KDA is establishing a 20-km surveillance zone around these premises. Poultry farms within this zone face restrictions on bird and poultry product movement without KDA authorization. The KDA animal health team is actively reaching out to local poultry owners, advising them on recognizing HPAI symptoms and taking preventative steps. Residents in McPherson or Rice counties owning poultry can contact KDA for guidance and support.

The outbreak, primarily propagated by migrating wild waterfowl, necessitates strict separation between domestic and wild birds. Poultry producers, regardless of scale, are urged to review and enhance their biosecurity practices. Guidance and resources on biosecurity can be found on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage.

HPAI poses a serious threat to poultry, with symptoms ranging from respiratory issues to sudden death. Poultry owners should vigilantly monitor their birds and report any signs of illness to a veterinarian or KDA’s Division of Animal Health.

While the current HPAI detections pose no immediate public health or food safety concern, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs.

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