Agriculture is a very dynamic and inter-woven industry mainly due to the fact that it deals with plant and animal life across many different environments.  This is something farmers have to deal with on day to day bases.  At times however, there are major events that can cause major impacts.  One such impact that has caused a major concern in the poultry industry is the avian influenza.  The avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, is a flu virus that has been killing birds at a rapid rate all over the country since December 2014.  The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza strain H5 (HPAV H5) is believed to be spreading to various poultry operations all over the country by contact with infected wild birds.  The strain is easily spread from bird species and is highly lethal.  To date, over forty five million birds have been euthanized to prevent the further spread of the disease. (USDA, 2015) This strain is not pathogenic to people but sick birds (or any animal) should never be consumed.

For a list of bio security protocols please see the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) link:

http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/ai/docs/06.02.15%20ODA%20Cancels%20bird%20shows%20across%20Ohio%20to%20Prevent%20Avian%20Flu.pdf

Sick birds or unusual bird deaths should also be immediately reported to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health at 1-614-728-6220 or through USDA APHIS’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.