Highly Contagious Avian Influenza Found In Western Tennessee

Upper Cumberland poultry farmers being warned to take precautions when it comes to the highly transmissible avian influenza.

A backyard flock owner in Obion County notified the State Veterinarian’s office after a sudden unexplained increase in deaths of chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys. Overton County Ag Extension Agent Jason Garrett:

“That disease could run rapid and really run some farmers out of production,” Garrett said. “And I’ve noticed more and more officials have their own backyard flocks to even just get eggs from. So 10, 20 chicks, that gets in there it could wipe out even the homeowners’ birds out.”

Garrett said that older birds are more susceptible to the disease than baby birds. He said the best way to prevent the spread of the disease is by not letting birds comingle.

According to the state department, any events where poultry can comingle are prohibited. That includes poultry shows and exhibitions. Furthermore, sales of poultry are prohibited at livestock markets, flea markets, and swap meets. There are no restrictions on the sale of baby birds in farm stores.