Office of the State Veterinarian Confirms Avian Influenza in Alaska

For immediate release: October 11, 2022
Contact: Bob Gerlach, 907-375-8200

Anchorage, AK — Two domestic poultry flocks in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough have been confirmed to have highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). One flock was a backyard chicken flock, and the other was a mix of poultry species. There has been a total of four backyard flocks and over 570 wild bird detections statewide in 2022.

As wild birds are now migrating south, there is an increased risk of domestic poultry being exposed to HPAI. Flock owners should work to maintain separation between wild birds and their flocks. This may include not allowing poultry to free-range, especially if there are wild ducks or geese in the area, or if they are close to bodies of water that could be contaminated with the virus. Covering coops and runs also helps to protect poultry from birds flying overhead.

Sudden death of multiple birds in the flock, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, or respiratory distress are very concerning and should be reported. Other signs of HPAI include a significant drop in water consumption, diarrhea, lethargy, abnormal behavior or difficulty walking, blue discoloration of the comb and wattles, or swollen comb, wattles, legs, or head.

"Report any suspicious illness in your flock to your veterinarian or to the Office of the State Veterinarian," said Dr. Robert Gerlach, Alaska State Veterinarian. "Report any sick or dead wild birds to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

The risk to human health from this HPAI virus is very low, but it is highly contagious among birds and can affect all types of domestic poultry. In addition to preventing contact between wild and domestic birds and to limit exposure, owners can ensure that the virus is not transmitted between flocks on shoes, clothing, or tools by having dedicated clothes and footwear for use on their farm and by cleaning and sanitizing any tools or equipment before use on their farm.

Dr. Robert Gerlach, Alaska State Veterinarian: 907-375-8215
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Sick/Dead Bird Hotline: 866-527-3358
Additional information on avian influenza outbreaks
Information on how to protect your flock