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Mississippi

Avian Influenza

Status  of  Avian  Influenza  in  Mississippi

Latest Update 

04/04/2024

Emergency Amendment to  Chapter 12 Entry Requirements – Restricting Cattle from HPAI Affected Herds… Click for more (PDF on MBAH.MS.GOV)

REPORT DEAD BIRDS

Use the system below to report high backyard poultry deaths or unusual wild bird deaths.

Report dead birds

Permit to Move Birds

Permits are required for moving birds into the state of Mississippi.

Permit to Move Birds

Disease Basics

 

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WHAT IS AVIAN INFLUENZA (AI)?

Avian influenza is a disease caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds (such as ducks, gulls, and shorebirds) worldwide and can infect domestic poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, quail, and geese) through their mucous, saliva, or feces.

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WILL EATING POULTRY INCREASE THE RISK FOR BECOMING INFECTED WITH AI?

Properly prepared and cooked poultry is safe to eat so not a source of AI virus infection of any strain. Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit kills the AI virus, as well as other organisms. While most human illnesses have resulted from direct contact with sick or dead birds, a small number have resulted from eating raw poultry or poultry products, so proper cooking is important in areas where avian influenza might be present.

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CAN AI AFFECT HUMANS?

Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred. The current strain (highly pathogenic H5N1) in the U.S. that has been killing turkeys, chickens, and raptors has been detected in only two humans, one in the United Kingdom in 2021 and one in the United States in 2022. For up-to-date information on current human cases, go to this web page Current U.S. Bird Flu Situation in Humans | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov).

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WHAT TYPES OF BIRDS CAN BE SICK WITH AI?

Wild birds that can be infected with bird flu viruses include waterfowl, like ducks, geese and swans, and birds of prey. Bird flu can spread from wild birds to poultry, like chickens and turkeys. While most wild birds can be infected with bird flu viruses without being sick, poultry, like chickens and turkeys, can get very sick and die from certain bird flu viruses.

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HOW CAN AI BE PREVENTED?

The most important thing that can be done to prevent AI in a domestic poultry flock is consistently practicing a strong biosecurity program, preventing contact between your birds and wild birds (particularly waterfowl), and immediately reporting sick or dying birds to proper officials.

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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH AN INFECTED BIRD?

It is important to watch for symptoms and follow your local or state health department’s instructions even if your contact was short and you took safety measures. Report any symptoms to your healthcare provider and state or local health department right away.

During the 10 days after your last exposure, you should watch for these symptoms:

  • Fever (Temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater)
  • Feeling feverish/Chills*
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty breathing/Shortness of breath
  • Eye tearing, redness, or irritation
  • Headaches
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Diarrhea

*Fever may not always be present

Contact us

Call Us

Hot line: 1-888-646-8731

Email Us

msstatevet@mbah.ms.gov

Our Location

Mississippi Board of Animal Health

121 North Jefferson Street
Jackson, MS 39201

P O Box 3889
Jackson, MS 39207

Contact Us