FRANKFORT, Ky. — While poultry farms across much of the nation are dealing with an outbreak of avian influenza (H5N2), poultry in Kentucky have yet to be affected – and experts are asking producers here to take precautions. That awareness was heightened by the discovery of avian influenza in two wild birds in the state last week. University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture, Food and Environment specialists are asking poultry producers to aware of the signs of the disease.

Lynne Cassone, a pathologist at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), said the current strain present in eight Midwest states is highly contagious to poultry but not a threat to humans or pets. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of the disease in a goose and a duck in McCracken County. According to information from the agency, the samples, taken from dead birds, were tested by the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia and confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.

In addition to the VDL, the Murray State University Breathitt Veterinary Lab can test for the disease – both are certified through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network to handle such cases. "Our two Kentucky labs are certified, fully trained, supplied and ready to respond should an outbreak occur in our state," said Craig Carter, VDL director. "The Kentucky Poultry Federation (KPF), the office of the Kentucky state veterinarian and the Kentucky poultry industry are on very high alert, and we are all working closely together."

Jamie Guffey, KPF executive director, said while the overall number of cases may be small in comparison the number of commercial birds, those dealing with it see it as a big issue. He also said the warmer weather will help slow the disease but it could show up again in the fall with the coming of migratory birds.

"We have a certain biosecurity program we follow in the state because of the way our birds are grown, and we have different levels of the program according to the disease threat," he said. "As the disease threat increases so does that level of biosecurity."

UK experts are recommending producers follow the FLU biosecurity and prevention guidelines:

•F is for Flock Observation: Early detection is important to stop the spread of disease. Growers need to observe flocks daily and note changes in appearance, behavior and drinking and eating habits.

•L is for Limiting Traffic: Contaminated clothing and equipment can spread avian influenza between poultry premises. Keep a log of visitors and vehicles on the farm. Be aware of places visitors may have had contact with birds or their droppings such as hunting lands, ponds, pet stores, zoos and parks. Visitors can accidently bring disease to the farm.

•U is for Unwanted Animals: Avian influenza can be spread through the feces and bodily fluids of infected birds, so keep poultry from coming into contact with wild birds.

Guffey said those in the poultry business are always looking out for any disease threat. The industry has become the leader in agriculture commodities in Kentucky. Worth more than $900 million annually, there are about 800 poultry farms here, almost all family operated, with 2,800 poultry houses in 42 counties.

The industry employs about 7,000 people, and pays $133.8 million in salaries and wages and $91 million in grower payments. For details about avian influenza and poultry production, go to http://afspoultry.ca.uky.edu/poultrypubs#Influenza