Birds infected with a deadly virus affecting chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other farmed and wild birds, have been detected across our state borders. With near 100% lethality, this virus is also considered “super-contagious.” (No human cases of this particular virus have been found in the U.S.) The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has issued this statement:
A virulent flu has been detected in Massachusetts and Connecticut and is likely headed to Rhode Island and may cause widespread mortality among birds that become infected . . . No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. Birds from infected flocks will not enter the food system.
Advice from DEM:
DEM continues to monitor flocks for infection, we urge all poultry owners to take precautions to protect their flocks by enhancing biosecurity. Biosecurity involves basic but essential measures such as restricting access to and keeping people away from your birds, keeping your birds separated from all wild birds, particularly migratory waterfowl, keeping cages, coops, and clothes clean and disinfected; properly disposing of dead birds, not sharing equipment with other poultry producers or farmers, knowing the warning signs of infectious diseases, and reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to DEM.
. . . RI DEM asks that you contact the State Veterinarian, Scott Marshall, DVM, if your flock is having any illness or mortality event. You can reach him via email at scott.marshall@dem.ri.gov or by calling 401-222-2781 X2774503. DEM also offers free testing for avian influenza for poultry producers who want to participate in voluntary surveillance of this disease.
Alex Kuffner of the Providence Journal — “Bird flu seen as a threat to RI poultry” — sought comment from a concerned Heidi Quinn, executive director of the Rhode Island Farm Bureau:
“Every time it comes up, the hair stands up on the back of our necks,” she said. “It’s super-contagious.”