Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in Missouri.
According to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the virus has hit four commercial turkey farms in Jasper, Lawrence and Newton counties, and more than 146,000 birds have been depopulated. It has also been detected in two egg-laying facilities in Newton County, resulting in the depopulation of more than 2.7 million birds.
HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal to chickens, but is not a food safety concern.
Symptoms included a decrease in water or feed consumption, a decrease in egg production, or a sudden increase in death in the flock. Producers should contact their veterinarian and the Missouri Department of Agriculture if any of these symptoms are detected.
