UMD researchers identified conditions that increase the spread of HPAI to farms and effective practices that prevent it.
On farm biosecurity measures can help prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
Image Credit: Edwin Remsberg
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is now widespread among wild birds across the U.S., and the USDA reports it is spending $1 billion to protect the poultry industry from the disease. University of Maryland wildlife ecologist Jennifer Mullinax and postdoctoral associate Matthew Gonnerman have been part of the solution, collaborating with researchers from USDA and U.S. Geological Survey to understand the risks and identify the most effective prevention.
Mullinax and colleagues recently published a study in the journal One Health comparing environmental conditions and farm practices on farms with and without HPAI outbreaks. It is the first study to identify specific conditions and actions associated with risks of HPAI infection. Their research found that wild bird activity, combined with cold, wet winters, raises the risk of bird flu spreading to poultry, while biosecurity measures like washing vehicles, using fresh or heat-treated bedding, and not sharing carcass disposal sites significantly lower the chance of the disease spreading to poultry.
“Before this study, we had limited information describing the effectiveness of avian influenza biosecurity measures,” said Gonnerman, who is the lead author on the study. “With this new research using information from the ongoing outbreak, we are finally able to start giving poultry farmers effective recommendations on how to combat HPAI.”
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a relatively new disease in the U.S., having been first detected in 2021. Since then, farmers have culled well over 100 million chickens and other commercially raised birds to head off the disease, and consumers have paid billions of dollars more in groceries because of soaring egg and poultry prices.
Understanding the factors that contribute to its spread, and what measures are effective at reducing its impact on the poultry industry, is critical to effectively managing outbreaks and prevention. This study provides evidence that specific measures effectively reduce the risks and can save farmers the costs of culling an infected flock.
To develop their findings, Mullinax and her colleagues evaluated environmental data about wild waterfowl populations, weather, and land use, along with surveys from farmers about bio-security practices such as how waste is handled and whether vehicles are washed.
The study offers guidance on surveillance of HPAI in wild and domestic populations, identifying when and where the virus is likely to occur while also providing insights into how poultry farms can better protect themselves from risk.
“Biosecurity in the poultry industry is comprehensive,” Mullinax said. “Our work is helping to focus those specific defenses to prevent HPAI, while accounting for migrating waterfowl and the farm’s location.”
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Matthew Gonnerman is also a Post-doctoral affiliate with the U.S. Geological Survey.
The research in this story was supported by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (Cooperative Agreement 6000023875, 6000028427), the U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) “PIPP Phase 1: International Center for Avian Influenza Pandemic Prediction and Prevention” (no. 2200310). The views presented in this story do not necessarily represent the views of these funders.
