Don't Let Your Chickens Cross The Road: Tennessee State Vet Issues Poultry Warning After Avian Flu Outbreaks

NASHVILLE, TN — With a virulent strain of avian flu detected at three unconnected facilities in the Midstate earlier this month, the state's veterinarian has issued a warning to people with poultry, even backyard chickens.

“We are working to protect the poultry population from exposure to avian influenza,” State Veterinarian Dr. Charles Hatcher said. “The best way to protect your birds is to increase your biosecurity measures and particularly, to keep your birds at home for now.”

Hatcher urged owners of both backyard and commercial flocks to avoid transporting or comingling birds. He said to avoid poultry exhibitions, shows, sales at fairs, festivals, flea market or auctions.

“We know that wild birds can carry avian influenza and that it is likely naturally circulating in the environment right now,” he said. “We expect this threat to diminish over time as migratory patterns change with consistently warmer weather.”

The advisory comes after the confirmed detection of H7N9 highly pathogenic avian influenza at a commercial poultry facility in Lincoln County March 4. On March 8, officials confirmed the detection of H79N low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) at a commercial poultry premises in Giles County. A third outbreak at another Lincoln County facility was confirmed Thursday.

Infected birds from none of the farms entered the food supply and state officials are monitoring facilities near those three for further outbreaks. Infection of humans from the two strains is possible, but unlikely.

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