News Release
March 30, 2011
Department of Agriculture Investigating Poultry Disease in Southwestern Missouri
The Missouri Department of Agriculture is currently investigating a case of low pathogenic Avian Influenza at a poultry facility in Polk County. As a precaution, the poultry facility has been quarantined following preliminary results obtained during routine testing.
Avian Influenza is a viral disease affecting birds. It is extremely rare for humans to be affected by this type of Avian Influenza. Additional tests are currently in progress to authenticate the disease by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. The birds affected remain under quarantine and flocks within six miles of the facility are receiving tests for the disease.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are working closely with the USDA to monitor the situation. Missouri's State Veterinarian and Public Health Veterinarian are working with the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge to oversee the care of birds.
For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit mda.mo.gov.