Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Cases Increase in Tennessee

The Tennessee State Veterinarian is reporting a third detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the state. The latest occurrence affects a commercial chicken facility in Bledsoe County.

Following a sudden spike in deaths in the flock, testing at the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory in Nashville and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed the cause was H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza.

“I cannot emphasize this enough—flock owners must be aware of the threat and focused on protecting their birds,” Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said. “HPAI is circulating in our environment and in the wild bird population. We anticipate more detections as we move through fall and into winter. Strong biosecurity is the best way to protect the health of backyard and commercial flocks.”

HPAI is a highly transmissible disease known to be deadly for domesticated fowl. Fowl can be exposed to HPAI through human interactions and through contact with wild birds. The cases this year in Tennessee have sickened chickens, geese, and ducks in Obion, Tipton, and now Bledsoe Counties.

Animal health officials have established a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) control zone surrounding the affected facility. Within the zone, poultry will be tested and monitored for illness and poultry movement requires permitting until the zone is released. Animal Health staff members are visiting poultry owners in-person within the control zone to explain the situation, answer questions, and provide information. If you have concerns about your location, please email Animal.Health@tn.gov or call 615-837-5120 and staff will help determine if your flock is within the zone.

Although HPAI does not pose a food safety risk, no infected poultry will be allowed to enter the food supply. Poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. The risk of human infection with avian influenza during poultry outbreaks is very low. In fact, no transmission to humans was reported during the outbreak that affected commercial poultry farms in Tennessee in 2017.

Guidance for Bird Owners

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after interacting with domesticated birds.
• Dedicate a pair of shoes to only be worn in coops or poultry houses and clean those shoes after each visit.
• Regularly disinfect any equipment used in coops or poultry houses.
• Deter wild birds from interacting with domesticated birds. Consider hanging pie pans or other noisemakers in trees or, if local rules allow, set off firecrackers intermittently or when you see vultures or geese on your property.