Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is beginning to spread in parts of Missouri.

As a result, the Missouri Department of Agriculture has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows, and swap meets in counties that are impacted by HPAI.

So far, the viral disease has been confirmed in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, and Lawrence counties. Two of the commercial turkey farms are in Newton County and the other two are in Jasper and Lawrence counties. USDA data says 146,100 turkeys have been depopulated at the four farms. Within the last week and a half, the disease has also impacted two egg-laying operations in Newton County. As a result of that outbreak, 2,760,900 birds have been depopulated.

“The Missouri Department of Agriculture is working hard to contain and eliminate the HPAI virus,” said Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg. “Restricting comingling of poultry is crucial to stopping the spread of avian influenza in Missouri. As always, we encourage all poultry producers to tighten biosecurity protocols.”

For counties not affected by the outbreak, poultry can still be sold and exhibited, but with strict biosecurity measures in place.

HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal to domesticated poultry but is not a food safety concern.

Symptoms included a decrease in water or feed consumption, a decrease in egg production, or a sudden increase in death in the flock. Producers should contact their veterinarian and the Missouri Department of Agriculture if any of these symptoms are detected.

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