Dr. Barry Whitworth spoke with Oklahoma State Area Extension Livestock Specialist, Dana Zook on the Extension Experience Podcast about Avian Influenza or bird flu.
According to Dr. Whitworth, Avian Influenza has spread to every major flyway in the U.S in wild birds and has spread to domestic birds like chickens. Avian Influenza is influenza a type of virus. It is found in wild birds like fowl but it can and has spread to domestic birds like Chickens and Turkeys.
This is a virus that could threaten commercial chicken flocks in Oklahoma. While the virus is not yet present in Oklahoma, it is confirmed to be present in border states like Kansas and Missouri.
The signs that your flock may be infected with Avian Influenza can vary, symptoms can include upper respiratory issues, nervous system issues, and even digestive issues.
Export markets could even be shut off until the avian flu virus subsides. This could easily continue to raise the price of chicken, eggs, and turkey, hurting more families’ food budgets during inflation.
To find out more information on bird flu click these links.
https://spotlight.okstate.edu/experience/podcast/
https://extension.okstate.edu/articles/2022/avian-influenza.html
