Washington, D.C. — Poultry farmers in the Midwest should maintain biosecurity as migratory birds return to northern climates.

An outbreak of Avian Influenza has been contained so far to about a dozen farmers in North and South Carolina. The outbreak was a low pathogenicity avian influenza. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has been monitoring the situation, said Mike Stepien, with APHIS. Over 300,000 birds have been culled so far.

“The avian influenza outbreak is currently contained to South Carolina and North Carolina – which is great news for Midwest farmers,” Stepien said. “Midwest farmers should always continue to focus on protecting their flocks by practicing appropriate biosecurity methods – as always.”

Farmers need to practice good biosecurity everyday to reduce the risk of infectious diseases being carried onto the farm by people, animals, equipment or vehicles.

Some basic biosecurity measures include keeping visitors to a minimum, washing your hands before and after coming in contact with live poultry, providing disposable boot covers or disinfectant footpaths  for anyone who will have contact with the flock, he said. Everyone should change clothing before entering poultry areas and before exiting.

If any new equipment is needed in a barn, disinfect the tools before moving them, he added.

While it looks like the states have the infection contained, they remain vigilant, Stepien said. The area around the infected farms is still under surveillance to monitor for any potential spread of the disease.

There have been no new cases reported in the area since April 8.

The low pathogenic strain seems to have mutated on one South Carolina farm into a highly pathogenic disease, H7N3. The flock was experiencing increase mortality and were tested by a lab in Ames, Iowa.

Migratory wildlife often cause disease outbreaks as the fowl pass over North America in the spring and fall.

In 2014, high pathogenic avian influenza clusters occurred across the United States. Between 2014 and 2015, about 50 million chicken and turkeys were culled. As a result, the poultry industry increased the biosecurity practices.

Farmers contact APHIS when the birds start to act oddly. Drinking and eating less are common symptoms of illness among birds.

All bird owners, from commercial producers to owners of backyard flocks, are urged by the USDA to maintain biosecurity practices to prevent any contact between their birds and wild flocks. Any sick or unusual birds should be reported through the state veterinarian or the USDA toll free number 866-536-7593.

Additional information on biosecurity for can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/defendtheflock