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Biosecurity for
the Birds
Frequently Asked Questions
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Bird Flu and Agriculture in Tennessee
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Farming
contributes to the economy, the beauty of our landscape and to the quality of
life in Tennessee. Safeguarding livestock
and crops from potentially damaging pests and diseases is a priority for the
Tennessee Department of Agriculture. A serious, highly contagious
animal disease outbreak could cost Tennessee farmers millions of dollars in
lost income, damage other sectors of the state’s economy and cost taxpayers
millions of dollars in disease control and eradication costs. More
importantly, protecting agriculture often serves to protect human health
since animal and plant diseases can also impact people and food safety.
One of the disease types of concern to agriculture is Avian Influenza, or
bird flu.
Bird
flu is a virus that affects bird populations. There are many different
strains of bird flu that cause varying degrees of illness in birds. The
most common types of bird flu, called low pathogenic, are routinely detected
in wild birds and cause little concern. Highly pathogenic strains of
bird flu are of greater concern because they are easily spread among birds
and are typically deadly to some bird species, especially poultry.
Other Resources
Tenn
Dept of Health - www.tennessee.gov/health/
USDA - www.usda.gov/wps/portal
US Dept of Health & Human Services - www.avianflu.gov/
US Dept of the Interior - www.doi.gov/issues/avianflu.html
US Geological Survey - www.nwhc.usgs.gov/
US Fish & Wildlife Service - www.fws.gov/home/avianflu/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
US Poultry & Egg Association - www.poultryegg.org/AvianInf/avian.html
Biosecurity for Bird Owners - www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity/hpai.html
Tennessee Egg & Poultry Association - www.tnpoultry.org/
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