Extension Notes: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Kentucky: Officials Urge Vigilance Among Bird Owners

By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

State agriculture officials have recently confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks in three Kentucky counties (Jessamine, Fulton & Lawrence).   This is prompting renewed warnings for poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity and monitor their flocks closely.

HPAI is a highly contagious viral disease that poses a severe threat to domesticated birds, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quail, pheasants, and guinea fowl. While wild migratory waterfowl—such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds—often carry the virus without appearing ill, the disease can spread rapidly and prove fatal once it reaches backyard or commercial poultry operations.

According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the virus spreads through direct bird‑to‑bird contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated droppings. People can also inadvertently carry the virus on clothing, shoes, equipment, or by transporting infected birds.

Despite the seriousness of the outbreak for poultry, federal health officials emphasize that the current detections do not pose an immediate public health risk. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat, as heating food to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills viruses and bacteria.

Bird owners are urged to watch for signs of infection, which may include sudden unexplained death, respiratory distress, decreased appetite or water intake, and a drop in egg production. Soft‑shelled or misshapen eggs may also indicate illness.

State officials are asking residents to take simple but critical steps to help contain the spread. These include keeping backyard flocks separated from wild birds, avoiding unnecessary visits to other bird owners, and thoroughly washing clothing and footwear after any contact with poultry. Sharing information with neighbors and fellow bird enthusiasts is also encouraged.

Anyone who suspects their birds may be sick is urged to call the state’s Sick Bird Hotline at 866‑536‑7593 for immediate guidance.

As monitoring continues, officials stress that community awareness and responsible flock management remain the strongest tools for protecting Kentucky’s poultry industry.

For more information about HPAI contact the Carter County Extension Office.   Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

Upcoming Events:

• Little Sandy Beekeepers – January 6^th @ 6:30 PM – Topic – Brainy Bees: Using Honey Bee Brains to Understand Shifts in Behavior
• Extension District Board – January 13^th @ 10:00 AM
• Livestock Predator Control Program – January 22^nd @6:00 PM – Boyd County Extension Fairgrounds