Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in three more Oklahoma counties

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is now reporting three new counties that have identified Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry. On Oct. 15, it was announced that a bird in Carter County, Oklahoma, had contracted HPAI, but now Wagoner, Grady and Oklahoma Counties have infected birds. State officials are urging backyard bird owners to take necessary biosecurity precautions to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.

Symptoms of HPAI include: coughing and sneezing, difficulty breathing, extreme depression, lack of energy, decrease in feed or water intake, swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle and legs, decrease in egg production, quietness among the flock and sudden, unexplained death.

If you suspect a case of HPAI, contact your local county Extension educator, a veterinarian or the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for testing. Sick birds in Oklahoma should be reported to 405-522-6141.