In a November 3rd podcast distributed by USPOULTRY, Dr. David Swayne, Director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory warned the industry of impending outbreaks of avian influenza.  He stressed that previous outbreaks in the U.S. and current episodes in the EU, Asia and Africa are invariably preceded by movement of migratory waterfowl. These birds serve as reservoirs and disseminators of virus.  His message to the industry was to strengthen biosecurity and eliminate direct and indirect contact between migratory or other free-living birds and commercial flocks.  This is difficult in the context of free-range housing that is popular in Europe and is now growing in the U.S. for premium-priced eggs.

With the extensive spread of avian influenza strain H5N1 in the EU, veterinary authorities have either mandated or recommended confinement of poultry depending on prevailing legislation or risk of exposure.