Bird flu suspected in poultry in north Alabama
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2017/03/bird_flu_found_in_poultry_in_n.html
State and federal officials are investigating suspected findings of bird flu in poultry in Jackson, Lauderdale and Madison counties in north Alabama.
Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan announced the findings of avian influenza this morning.
State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier issued a "stop movement" order for certain poultry in Alabama. Officials are calling on poultry producers to take precautions to limit the chances of spreading the virus.
Officials said the situation does not pose a food safety threat but does jeopardize the state's $15 billion poultry industry.
Preliminary tests showed suspected avian influenza at three sites. Tests at the U.S. Department of Agriculture lab in Iowa will be more conclusive and determine the whether the strain is highly pathogenic, meaning more severe.
An investigation found suspected avian influenza in one flock of chickens at a commercial operation in Lauderdale County. Another finding was with a backyard flock in Madison County. A third finding was in Scottsboro.
The department provides information about safeguards for flock owners on its website.
Last week, the department had reported avian influenza found in a second flock of chickens at a commercial operation in Tennessee and that regular monitoring was underway in Alabama.