(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois’ status in USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy has been changed to “unaffected” by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) following months of milk silo testing, and with the change, the testing requirements have been lowered as long as HPAI is not present. Meanwhile, the threat of HPAI infection in poultry flocks is ramping up as bird migration season takes flight and the USDA urges all poultry producers to follow biosecurity plans. Producers with backyard flocks should be mindful of extra steps they can take to protect their birds during migration season. If HPAI is suspected, poultry producers should contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture as soon as possible.
