Avian influenza case confirmed in Mississippi

PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) -Mississippi is now certainly one of three with the extremely contagious avian influenza, becoming a member of Arizona and South Carolina, in response to the U.S. Division of Agriculture.

The united statesDepartment of Agriculture Nationwide Veterinary Providers Laboratory confirmed the case in Lawrence County, the place a business breeder’s flock examined constructive.

“As you realize, the Mississippi poultry trade is our primary agriculture commodity, and it’s a couple of $3 billion trade for the state of Mississippi,” mentioned Amanda Masholie, Lawrence County extension director at Mississippi State College Extension Service.

Masholie mentioned the hen flu is a extremely contagious viral illness that may strike home poultry with none warning, and it may be devastating to the Mississippi poultry trade.

Nevertheless, she says there are methods for hen handlers to assist forestall the unfold by on the lookout for signs similar to coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased egg manufacturing and swelling or purple discoloration of the pinnacle, eyelids, comb or hocks.

“The general public well being concern of avian influenza impacting people is comparatively low,” mentioned Masholie. “So long as you cook dinner hen and eggs to 165 levels, which is the advisable protected temperature, you’re not going to be in danger for this sickness or some other kind of food-borne sickness.”

The worldwide downside isn’t simply impacting farmers. Jeremy Cumpton, the Hattiesburg Zoo conservation, training and wildlife director says the zoo workers has been taking security protocols.

“[We are] protecting their meals and water bowls and ensuring it’s as preventable as potential; nonetheless, for them, we’re sporting full PPE fits, and we’re doing every thing we are able to do to mitigate as a lot as the danger as potential,” mentioned Cumpton. “This isn’t just for the areas with birds however for additionally a number of the different areas within the zoo, we’re doing extra foot baths, that is simply one thing we’re having to sort out as a whole group.”

Cumpton says the zoo has taken all chickens and parrots off exhibit. They need to be returning to common protocols throughout the subsequent few weeks.

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