A virus deadly to poultry has been found in Tennessee.
According to the state veterinarian, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as HPAI, caused a commercial chicken breeder flock in Lincoln County to become sick.
“Many Tennessee families rely on the poultry industry for their livelihoods, and the state is working closely with local, county and federal partners and the poultry industry to control the situation and protect the flocks that are critical to our state’s economy,” Governor Bill Haslam said.
Reports stated HPAI has been known to be deadly to domesticated chickens and turkeys.
The state veterinarian’s office was notified of the issue in Lincoln County on Friday.
Testing was conducted that confirmed the presence of H7 HPAI.
“Animal health is our top priority,” state veterinarian, Dr. Charles Hatcher, DVM said. “With this HPAI detection, we are moving quickly and aggressively to prevent the virus from spreading.”
The facility has been placed under quarantine, along with around 30 other poultry farms within a six mile radius of the site.
This is the first time HPAI has been detected in Tennessee.
Authorities said HPAI does not pose a risk to the food supply as no affected animals entered the food chain.
They added the risk of humans becoming infected with avian influenza during poultry outbreaks like this has been very low. The source of the virus has not been determined.
Area chicken farmers have been monitoring the situation closely. At Hill Family Farm in White House, Byron Hill has over 300 chickens. He said the situation has been concerning, but he sees no reason to panic.
"I think with our biosecurity measures, and the fact that our chickens live outside, that mitigates the possibility of a disease outbreak here," said Hill.
Hill said he does not allow birds from outside farms on the property, or people who raise chickens inside his fence line. He said that helps prevent the spread of possible illnesses.
Owners of commercial and backyard poultry flocks have been encouraged to closely observe their birds. Report a sudden increase in the number of sick birds or deaths to the state veterinarian's office at 615-837-5120 or the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.
