Bird flu detected in Oklahoma: State veterinarian explains risks

On Monday, a flock of birds in Grady County tested positive for avian influenza, also known as bird flu. Rod Hall, the state veterinarian with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF), answers common questions about the virus.

Q: What is Oklahoma seeing in terms of bird flu?

A: “We currently have only one infected flock,” said Hall. “It’s in Grady County.”

Hall said ODAFF was notified of the case on Monday.

“A couple of months ago, we had four commercial farms in Adair County that were infected, but those birds have all been euthanized,” Hall said. “The farms have been cleaned up and disinfected. We’ve conducted testing to confirm there is no remaining virus, and at least one of those farms has repopulated with birds.”

Q: Why is it concerning to discover a case?

A: “It is an influenza virus, and influenza viruses are notorious for mutating,” Hall said. “There’s always a fear that the virus in a bird could potentially infect another animal, mutate with a virus in that animal’s body, and create a strain that’s even worse.”

Hall said that bird flu cannot transfer from person to person, but ODAFF is concerned that it could continue to mutate and develop into a virus that spreads among humans.

Q: What steps will the ODAFF take to monitor the active case?

A: Hall said the infected flock is set to be euthanized on Wednesday, followed by an inspection.

“We’ll have one of our inspectors visit the site to ensure the carcasses are properly disposed of,” Hall said. “We’ll monitor the cleaning and disinfecting of the poultry house, and then the facility must remain vacant for 120 days.”

Q: What should people keep in mind when caring for their chickens?

A: Since the virus is highly deadly, Hall said that if a large number of poultry die within a few days, owners should contact the ODAFF to have an inspector test for avian flu.

Q: Are eggs still safe to eat?

A: Hall said eggs remain safe for consumption as long as they are properly cooked.

Q: How can I protect my chickens from bird flu?

A: Hall said many backyard flocks that contract bird flu have a pond or water source nearby, which attracts wild waterfowl carrying the virus.

“In nine out of the 10 backyard cases we’ve seen, the birds had some interaction with wild waterfowl at a water source,” Hall said.