New service to help poultry owners stay updated on HPAI

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture launched the service for local owners

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA)is helping local poultry and bird owners stay up to date on cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Farmers and bird owners can sign up for The Word on Birds and receive mobile email alerts.

“Notifications may include but are not limited to avian influenza outbreaks and changes to movement or sales requirements,” the sign up form says.

The TDA launched the service following a confirmed case of the H5N1 strain of HPAI in Weakley County affecting a backyard flock of chickens that produce eggs.

This latest case brings the total number of cases in the state to four.

Broiler production is the number three ag sector in the state, with about $461 million in receipts from broilers.

“We hate to see this illness affecting another farmer in Tennessee,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said in a statement. “As we work with this producer and our partners to contain this outbreak to one facility, we are also considering how best to share information with bird owners. The new email notification system—The Word on Birds—aims to inform bird owners of health threats to backyard poultry flocks and pet birds.”

Farmers can report sick or dead birds at the state level at 615-837-5120.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will also accept reports online.

Producers can report sick or dead birds to the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.