The Kansas Department of Agriculture is warning poultry owners in the state of a high risk of bird flu.
The Department said an increase in migratory bird activity has created the risk of a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is primarily spread by wild waterfowl. Although Kansas has not confirmed a case of HPAI in a domestic/commercial flock since April 2024, the virus has been detected in wild birds across the state over the first few weeks of November.
Department officials said anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, gamebirds, turkeys, and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections are not creating an immediate public health concern. Birds and eggs from an infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
