Thanks to our State Veterinarian, Dr. Jones, for keeping us informed.   Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) unfortunately are on the increase.  They are no longer restricted to wild birds, backyard flocks have tested positive as well.  I will continue to tell my readers what I have been saying for decades:  protect your birds - keep them under a solid cover!  

       From Dr. Jones:

“This is to notify you that the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed by NVSL in a backyard flock in Butte County, California. Last week, a case was confirmed in a backyard flock in Sacramento county, CA. Additional cases have been reported in wild birds in Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Mendocino, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, and Stanislaus Counties.

Note that when USDA announces what we consider a backyard flock of poultry that is confirmed positive, it is called “non-poultry.” This is a trade term that is important to use because there is an agreed upon understanding of the term. When they use “poultry” it means the products enter commerce and there is increased risk of cross contamination between commercial flocks. “Non-poultry” are treated more like wild bird detections.

Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual, suspicious, sick, or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report.”

                                                                    -Dr. Bradley