FIRE-EARTH AI Alerts: H7 HPAI, H5N2 LPAI, HAPI A Viruses

AI: H5N2 strain reported in Wisconsin, H7 HPAI in Tennessee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported a  strain of low pathogenic H5N2 avian flu  in a flock of 84,000 turkeys in Barron County, Wisconsin (OIE), the second in the country in two days.

The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection are responding to this event. • Testing of the commercial turkey flock occurred after the birds exhibited signs of depression. • Samples were submitted for laboratory testing and were confirmed positive for influenza A virus H5N2 LPAI North American wild bird origin. Both the HA and NA are distinct from the EA/AM H5N2 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses from 2015. • The infected premises was quarantined and the turkeys will be depopulated through controlled marketing. • A comprehensive epidemiological investigation with enhanced surveillance is ongoing.

On March 5, USDA/APHIS confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza (HPAI) of North American wild bird lineage in a commercial chicken breeder flock in Lincoln County, Tennessee. “This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States this year. The flock of 73,500 is located within the Mississippi flyway. Samples from the affected flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at Tennessee’s Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. Virus isolation is ongoing, and NVSL expects to characterize the neuraminidase protein, or ‘N-type’, of the virus within 48 hours.”

In December 2016, a total of 56 outbreaks of HPAI were detected in poultry farms across Hungary, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands affecting a variety of poultry species (ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens) mainly in backyard farms. Additionally the virus was found in wild birds in 10 EU Member States (Hungary, Poland, Germany, Croatia, Austria, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Romania), as well as in Switzerland.

2017 Reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza and HPAI A viruses:

Algeria, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile, China (People’s Rep. of), Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia (Former Yug. Rep. of), Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, U.S., Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

2017 Reported cases of  low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry): 

Cases reported in the U.S., South Africa, Netherlands, Germany, France, Chile and Cambodia so far this year.

 

 

 

FIRE-EARTH Alert: Avian Influenza

Different strains of bird flu virus striking Asia, Europe, Middle East, E. Africa, N. America

• Details of Alert are available from FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.

FIRE-EARTH Alert: Global Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (UD5)

Major Outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Europe, Asia and N. America – Update #5

• Highly Pathogenic Asian Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus
• Influenza A subtypes infecting humans and pigs: H3N2 and H1N1 viruses
• Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Viruses in Humans
• Influenza A subtypes infecting horses: H7N7 and H3N8 viruses

• HPAI H5 Outbreaks
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Viruses
• Influenza A (H7N9)
• Details of the Alert are available from FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.

 

FIRE-EARTH Alert: Global Outbreaks of Avian Influenza

Major Outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Europe, Asia and N. America – Update #4

• Highly Pathogenic Asian Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus
• Influenza A subtypes infecting humans and pigs: H3N2 and H1N1 viruses
• Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Viruses in Humans
• Influenza A subtypes infecting horses: H7N7 and H3N8 viruses

• HPAI H5 Outbreaks
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Viruses
• Influenza A (H7N9)
• Details of the Alert are available from FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.

 

FIRE-EARTH Alert: H5N8

• Affiliates
• CJ Members
• EAC
• OC Teams

FIRE-EARTH Alert: H5N8 Avian Influenza

• Details of the Alert are available from FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.
• Affiliates may be provided with details of the Alert at Members’ discretion.

 

CORRECTION: Avian Flu Claims 15.5% of U.S. Egg-laying Hens

Avian Flu Claims 15.5% of U.S. Egg-laying Hens

As of April 1, 2015, the U.S. table egg flock size was 303 million layers, NOT the previously reported figure of 392 million.

Bird flu toll tops 47 million, 53% of Iowa flock dead or euthanized

Infected Commercial Flocks. Commercial flocks have been infected in at least 15 States: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana (May 10, 2015), Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana (removed from USDA list), Nebraska (May 11, 2015), North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and  Wisconsin.

Update on Avian Influenza Findings – Poultry Findings Confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories

• Birds Affected: 47,091,293
• Detections Reported: 222  [previously 162]
  
• First Detection Reported: 12/19/14
• Last Detection Reported: 6/9/15
• No. of Flocks Pending Test Results: 13
  
• Source: APHIS/ USDA

Worst Affected States

• Iowa: 30,723,300 (or about 53% of the total flock) Birds Affected
• Minnesota: 8,996,090 (June 5, 2015)
• Nebraska: 3,794,100 (June 4, 2015)
• Wisconsin: 1,950,733 (May 6, 2015)
• South Dakota: 1,168,200 (June 1, 2015)

As of April 1, 2015, the U.S. table egg flock size was 303 million layers,  and rate of lay per day  averaged 79.6 eggs per 100 layers, said United Egg Producers.

The top ten egg-producing states (ranked by number of layers represented in thousands)  were 1. Iowa: 58,330. 2. Ohio: 29,936. 3. Indiana: 25,744. 4. Pennsylvania:  23,657. 5. Texas: 14,759. 6. Michigan: 12,894. 7. California: 12,835. 8. Minnesota: 11,369. 9. Georgia: 9,857. 10. Nebraska: 9,446. [Source: United Egg Producers.]

The rest of Avian Flu Claims 12% of U.S. Egg-laying Hens remains unchanged.

Avian Flu Claims 12% of U.S. Egg-laying Hens

Bird flu toll tops 47 million, 53% of Iowa flock dead or euthanized

Infected Commercial Flocks. Commercial flocks have been infected in at least 15 States: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana (May 10, 2015), Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana (removed from USDA list), Nebraska (May 11, 2015), North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and  Wisconsin.

Update on Avian Influenza Findings – Poultry Findings Confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories

• Birds Affected: 47,091,293
• Detections Reported: 222  [previously 162]
  
• First Detection Reported: 12/19/14
• Last Detection Reported: 6/9/15
• No. of Flocks Pending Test Results: 13
  
• Source: APHIS/ USDA

Worst Affected States

• Iowa: 30,723,300 (or about 53% of the total flock) Birds Affected
• Minnesota: 8,996,090 (June 5, 2015)
• Nebraska: 3,794,100 (June 4, 2015)
• Wisconsin: 1,950,733 (May 6, 2015)
• South Dakota: 1,168,200 (June 1, 2015)

[As of April 1, 2015, the top ten egg-producing states (ranked by number of layers represented in thousands)  were 1. Iowa: 58,330. 2. Ohio: 29,936. 3. Indiana: 25,744. 4. Pennsylvania:  23,657. 5. Texas: 14,759. 6. Michigan: 12,894. 7. California: 12,835. 8. Minnesota: 11,369. 9. Georgia: 9,857. 10. Nebraska: 9,446]

Michigan Reports First Case of Bird Flu

The Michigan DNR and the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) have confirmed case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the state.

“While this is disappointing news that the H5N2 virus has been found in Michigan’s free-ranging bird population, it was not unexpected given avian influenza has been found in a number of our neighboring states and Ontario,” said MDARD Director.

Michigan became the 21st state to report avian influenza, after three free-ranging Canada Goose goslings collected in Sterling Heights (Macomb County) tested positive for HPAI virus.

Avian influenza has not yet been detected in Michigan’s domestic poultry flocks, said MDARD.

Wild Flocks with Infection Found in at least 6 States: Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Wild Bird HPAI Cases in the United States
A list prepared by National Flyway Council reports HPAI cases in wild bird flocks across the following states:

• CA, ID, KS, KY, MN, MO, NM, NV, OR, WA, WI and WY.

Key Points: HPAI H5  [CDC Influenza Division]

• Increased outreach, reporting and surveillance activities in the United States followed the detection of HPAI H5N2 among commercial poultry flocks in Canada in early December 2014.

• USDA has reported.
  • HPAI H5N8 virus in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Nevada.
  • HPAI H5N2 virus in Nebraska, Indiana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Kentucky.
  • HPAI H5N1 virus in Washington.
  • H5 virus in a wild bird in New Mexico, but diagnostic test did not determine the neuraminidase (NA).

• HPAI H5N8, HPAI H5N2 and HPAI H5N1 viruses with this combination of genes had not been detected previously in the United States.

A strain of avian flu, EA-H5N8, which had previously been found only in the Western U.S., was detected.

States of Emergency

Iowa’s Gov. Branstad has extended a State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation until July 1 as more farms continue to report new cases of the deadly avian flu virus in their poultry flocks.

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts proclaimed a state of emergency in May following the discovery of avian influenza in the state’s poultry sector, according to a statement posted on his website.

Background and Additional Links

• ‘Unprecedented’ Flu Outbreak Baffles Scientists April 22, 2015
• State of Emergency Declared in Dallas County due to Bird Flu May 9, 2015
• State of Emergency Declared in Nebraska in Bird Flu Epidemic May 15, 2015
• State of Disaster Emergency Extended in Iowa amid Rising Bird Flu Cases June 1, 2015
• 45 Million Birds Affected by Avian Flu in U.S. June 4, 2015
• 46.8 Million Birds Affected as Michigan Confirms Avian Flu June 9, 2015

46.8 Million Birds Affected as Michigan Confirms Avian Flu

21 States Report Avian Influenza

Since December 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed  cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in the Pacific, Central, and Mississippi flyways (or migratory bird paths). The disease has severely affected commercial poultry and backyard flocks.

Infected Commercial Flocks. Commercial flocks have been infected in at least 15 States: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana (May 10, 2015), Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska (May 11, 2015), North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and  Wisconsin.

Update on Avian Influenza Findings – Poultry Findings Confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories

• Birds Affected: 46,824,393
• Detections Reported: 219  [previously 162]
  
• First Detection Reported: 12/19/14
• Last Detection Reported: 6/5/15
• Flocks Pending Test Results: 15 Cases
• Source: APHIS/ USDA

Worst Affected Areas

• Iowa: 30,482,300 Birds Affected
• Minnesota: 8,970,150
  
• Nebraska: 3,794,100  (June 4, 2015)
  
• Wisconsin: 1,950,733 (May 5, 2015)
  
• South Dakota: 1,168,200 (June 1, 2015)

Michigan Reports First Case of Bird Flu

The Michigan DNR and the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) have confirmed case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the state.

“While this is disappointing news that the H5N2 virus has been found in Michigan’s free-ranging bird population, it was not unexpected given avian influenza has been found in a number of our neighboring states and Ontario,” said MDARD Director.

Michigan became the 21st state to report avian influenza, after three free-ranging Canada Goose goslings collected in Sterling Heights (Macomb County) tested positive for HPAI virus.

Avian influenza has not yet been detected in Michigan’s domestic poultry flocks, said MDARD.

Wild Flocks with Infection Found in at least 6 States: Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Wild Bird HPAI Cases in the United States
A list prepared by National Flyway Council reports HPAI cases in wild bird flocks across the following states:

• CA, ID, KS, KY, MN, MO, NM, NV, OR, WA, WI and WY.

Key Points: HPAI H5  [CDC Influenza Division]

• Increased outreach, reporting and surveillance activities in the United States followed the detection of HPAI H5N2 among commercial poultry flocks in Canada in early December 2014.

• USDA has reported
  • HPAI H5N8 virus in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Nevada.
  • HPAI H5N2 virus in Nebraska, Indiana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Kentucky.
  • HPAI H5N1 virus in Washington.
  • H5 virus in a wild bird in New Mexico, but diagnostic test did not determine the neuraminidase (NA).

• HPAI H5N8, HPAI H5N2 and HPAI H5N1 viruses with this combination of genes had not been detected previously in the United States.

A strain of avian flu, EA-H5N8, which had previously been found only in the Western U.S., was detected.

States of Emergency

Iowa’s Gov. Branstad has extended a State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation until July 1 as more farms continue to report new cases of the deadly avian flu virus in their poultry flocks.

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts proclaimed a state of emergency in May following the discovery of avian influenza in the state’s poultry sector, according to a statement posted on his website.

Background and Additional Links

• ‘Unprecedented’ Flu Outbreak Baffles Scientists April 22, 2015
• State of Emergency Declared in Dallas County due to Bird Flu May 9, 2015
• State of Emergency Declared in Nebraska in Bird Flu Epidemic May 15, 2015
• State of Disaster Emergency Extended in Iowa amid Rising Bird Flu Cases June 1, 2015
• 45 Million Birds Affected by Avian Flu in U.S. June 4, 2015

State of Disaster Emergency Extended in Iowa amid Rising Bird Flu Cases

44.6 Million Birds Affected by Deadly Avian Flu Viruses in U.S.

Iowa’s Gov. Branstad has extended a State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation until July 1 as more farms continue to report new cases of the deadly avian flu virus in their poultry flocks. The Proclmation was due to expire on May 31, 2015.

Update on Avian Influenza Findings – Poultry Findings Confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories

• Birds Affected: 44,612,573 [up from 33,521,073; additional cases pending]
• Detections Reported: 197 [previously 162]
• First Detection Reported: December 19, 2014
• Last Detection Reported: May 28, 2015 [previously reported on May 13, 2015]

Infected Commercial Flocks

Commercial flocks have been infected in at least 15 States: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana (May 10, 2015), Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska (May 11, 2015), North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and  Wisconsin.

The majority of the infections have been reported in the state of Iowa, with 29,095,500 birds  affected [up from 24,815,500 on May 13,] across 18 counties, and at least 6 additional flocks being tested for the deadly virus(es).

• Minnesota has the second highest number of infections, with 8,220,760 birds affected.
• Nebraska has 3,794,100 affected birds.

• Wisconsin reported 1,950,733 birds.

• South Dakota has 1,116,200 affected birds.
  

Wild Flocks with Infection Found in at least 5 States: Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Wild Bird HPAI Cases in the United States
A list prepared by National Flyway Council reports HPAI cases in wild bird flocks across the following states:

• CA, ID, KS, KY, MN, MO, NM, NV, OR, WA, WI and WY.

Key Points: HPAI H5  [CDC Influenza Division]

• Increased outreach, reporting and surveillance activities in the United States followed the detection of HPAI H5N2 among commercial poultry flocks in Canada in early December 2014.

• USDA has reported
  • HPAI H5N8 virus in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Nevada.
  • HPAI H5N2 virus in Nebraska, Indiana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Kentucky.
  • HPAI H5N1 virus in Washington.
  • H5 virus in a wild bird in New Mexico, but diagnostic test did not determine the neuraminidase (NA).

• HPAI H5N8, HPAI H5N2 and HPAI H5N1 viruses with this combination of genes had not been detected previously in the United States.

A strain of avian flu, EA-H5N8, which had previously been found only in the Western U.S., was detected in a backyard mixed poultry flock in Whitley County, Indiana on May 11, APHIS reported.

WILD BIRD HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA  [Last updated by APHIS on May 14, 2013]

• WILD BIRD HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA CASES IN THE UNITED STATES

Background and Additional Links

• ‘Unprecedented’ Flu Outbreak Baffles Scientists April 22, 2015
• State of Emergency Declared in Dallas County due to Bird Flu May 9, 2015
• State of Emergency Declared in Nebraska in Bird Flu Epidemic May 15, 2015

State of Emergency Declared in Nebraska in Bird Flu Epidemic

UPDATED

USDA reporting H5 bird flu virus detections in 20 U.S. states

Gov. Ricketts has proclaimed a state of emergency  following the discovery of avian influenza in Nebraska’s poultry sector, according to a statement posted on his website.

[Nebraska is now the fourth US state to declare a state of emergency due to the rapidly spreading bird flu epidemic. The three other states are Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.]

“The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is coordinating with several state agencies for a thorough, expeditious response,” said Ricketts.

USDA is reporting H5 bird flu virus detections in 20 U.S. states; 15 states with outbreaks in poultry and 5 states with H5 detections in wild birds only.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA)  and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed the presence of a second case of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial layer flock in Dixon County. The second farm (referred to as Dixon 2) is in close proximity to the initial farm (referred to as Dixon 1) identified on May 12, 2015.

Dixon 2 is a flock of 1.8 million chickens. [Dixon 1 is believed to be a flock of 1.7 million birds.]

“Having a second farm in Nebraska confirmed to have HPAI is unfortunate but not completely unexpected. This follows the pattern we’ve seen in other states when it comes to the spread of the virus,” said NDA Director.

Both farms are under quarantine, and the birds on both properties will be depopulated, the NDA Director added.

“A perimeter has been established around Dixon 2, and as is the USDA protocol, NDA will be visiting all locations within a 6.2 mile radius of the farm that have poultry to conduct testing. Due to the proximity of Dixon 2 to Dixon 1, the 6.2 mile radius overlaps significantly,” said NDA.

Update on Avian Influenza Findings – Poultry Findings Confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories

• Birds Affected: 33,521,073  [additional cases pending]
• Detections Reported: 162 (previously 142)
• First Detection Reported: December 19, 2014
• Last Detection Reported: May 13,  2015

Commercial Flocks Infected in at least 15 States: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana (May 10, 2015), Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska (May 11, 2015), North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and  Wisconsin.

Majority of the infections have been reported in the state of Iowa, with 24,815,500 birds affected, and at least 6 additional flocks being tested for the deadly virus(es).

Wild Flocks with Infection Found in at least 5 States: Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Wild Bird HPAI Cases in the United States
A list prepared by National Flyway Council reports HPAI cases in wild bird flocks across the following states:

• CA, ID, KS, KY, MN, MO, NM, NV, OR, WA, WI and WY.

Key Points: HPAI H5  [CDC Influenza Division]

• Increased outreach, reporting and surveillance activities in the United States followed the detection of HPAI H5N2 among commercial poultry flocks in Canada in early December 2014.

• USDA has reported
  • HPAI H5N8 virus in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Nevada.
  • HPAI H5N2 virus in Nebraska, Indiana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Kentucky.
  • HPAI H5N1 virus in Washington.
  • H5 virus in a wild bird in New Mexico, but diagnostic test did not determine the neuraminidase (NA).

• HPAI H5N8, HPAI H5N2 and HPAI H5N1 viruses with this combination of genes had not been detected previously in the United States.

A strain of avian flu, EA-H5N8, which had previously been found only in the Western U.S., was detected in a backyard mixed poultry flock in Whitley County, Indiana on May 11, APHIS reported.

 Background and Additional Links

• State of Emergency Declared in Dallas County due to Bird Flu May 9, 2015

State of Emergency Declared in Nebraska due to Bird Flu

USDA reporting H5 bird flu virus detections in 20 U.S. states

Gov. Ricketts has proclaimed a state of emergency  following the discovery of avian influenza in Nebraska’s poultry sector, according to a statement posted on his website.

[Nebraska is now the fourth US state to declare a state of emergency due to the rapidly spreading bird flu epidemic. The three other states are Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.]

“The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is coordinating with several state agencies for a thorough, expeditious response,” said Ricketts.

USDA is reporting H5 bird flu virus detections in 20 U.S. states; 15 states with outbreaks in poultry and 5 states with H5 detections in wild birds only.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA)  and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed the presence of a second case of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial layer flock in Dixon County. The second farm (referred to as Dixon 2) is in close proximity to the initial farm (referred to as Dixon 1) identified on May 12, 2015.

Dixon 2 is a flock of 1.8 million chickens. [Dixon 1 is believed to be a flock of 1.7 million birds.]

“Having a second farm in Nebraska confirmed to have HPAI is unfortunate but not completely unexpected. This follows the pattern we’ve seen in other states when it comes to the spread of the virus,” said NDA Director.

Both farms are under quarantine, and the birds on both properties will be depopulated, said NDA Director.

“A perimeter has been established around Dixon 2, and as is the USDA protocol, NDA will be visiting all locations within a 6.2 mile radius of the farm that have poultry to conduct testing. Due to the proximity of Dixon 2 to Dixon 1, the 6.2 mile radius overlaps significantly,” said NDA.

Update on Avian Influenza Findings – Poultry Findings Confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories

• Birds Affected: 33,521,073  [additional cases pending]
• Detections Reported: 162 (previously 142)
• First Detection Reported: December 19, 2014
• Last Detection Reported: May 13,  2015

Commercial Flocks Infected in at least 15 States: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana (May 10, 2015), Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska (May 11, 2015), North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and  Wisconsin.

Majority of the infections have been reported in the state of Iowa, with 24,815,500 birds affected, and at least 6 additional flocks being tested for the deadly virus(es).

Wild Flocks with Infection Found in at least 5 States: Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Key Points: HPAI H5  [CDC Influenza Division]

• Increased outreach, reporting and surveillance activities in the United States followed the detection of HPAI H5N2 among commercial poultry flocks in Canada in early December 2014.

• USDA has reported
  • HPAI H5N8 virus in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Nevada.
  • HPAI H5N2 virus in Nebraska, Indiana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Kentucky.
  • HPAI H5N1 virus in Washington.
  • H5 virus in a wild bird in New Mexico, but diagnostic test did not determine the neuraminidase (NA).

• HPAI H5N8, HPAI H5N2 and HPAI H5N1 viruses with this combination of genes had not been detected previously in the United States.

A strain of avian flu, EA-H5N8, which had previously been found only in the Western U.S., was detected in a backyard mixed poultry flock in Whitley County, Indiana on May 11, APHIS reported.

 Background and Additional Links

• State of Emergency Declared in Dallas County due to Bird Flu May 9, 2015

State of Emergency Declared in Dallas County due to Bird Flu

UPDATED

“You can’t dump your infected bird carcases in our backyard” —Dallas County

Dallas County officials have declared a state of emergency amid the state’s outbreak of avian influenza, according to a news release.

The resolution forbids “the transportation of poultry and poultry waste within a mile of poultry raising facilities. The state of emergency will allow county road officials to place barricades near facilities within the county,” said a report.

“John Benson, a spokesman with Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management, said Dallas County’s state of emergency is similar to the one put in place last week by Gov. Terry Branstad, but with efforts supplemented at a local level

“As many as 3.5 million birds killed because of avian influenza outbreaks in northwest Iowa might be driven across the state and disposed of in a private landfill in Mills County.”

Read more…

Bird Flu Claims 4.8 Million More Iowa Chickens

State of Iowa

• Birds Affected: 23,130,698  [additional cases pending]
• Detections Reported: 30
• First Detection Reported: April20, 2015
• Last Detection Reported: May 7, 2015

Poultry producers in NW Iowa have been overwhelmed disposing of more than 23 million birds infected by the deadly virus, officials said.

At least 44 chicken, turkey, and duck flocks have been infected with the HPAI H5 [HPAI H5N8, HPAI H5N2 and HPAI H5N1] virus in 12 counties across Iowa, 11 in the northwest and Madison County.

More than 23 million additional infected birds, or about 45 percent of the state’s egg-laying flock, are slated to be destroyed including more than 22 million laying hens, and an estimated one million turkeys and ducks, according to reports.

The deadly virus has now spread to 30 million birds across at least 18 U.S. states; 13 states have experienced outbreaks in poultry flocks and 5 states have detected H5 in wild birds.

Update on Avian Influenza Findings – Poultry Findings Confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories

• Birds Affected: 29,907,671  [additional cases pending]
• Detections Reported: 142
• First Detection Reported: December 19, 2014
• Last Detection Reported: May 7,  2015

Commercial Flocks Infected in at least 13 States: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and  Wisconsin.

Wild Flocks with Infection Found in at least 5 States: Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

CDC Influenza Division – Key Points: HPAI H5

• Increased outreach, reporting and surveillance activities in the United States followed the detection of HPAI H5N2 among commercial poultry flocks in Canada in early December 2014.

• USDA has reported
  • HPAI H5N8 virus in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Nevada.
  • HPAI H5N2 virus in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Kentucky.
  • HPAI H5N1 virus in Washington.
  • H5 virus in a wild bird in New Mexico, but diagnostic test did not determine the neuraminidase (NA).

• HPAI H5N8, HPAI H5N2 and HPAI H5N1 viruses with this combination of genes had not been detected previously in the United States.

 Background

• ‘Unprecedented’ Flu Outbreak Baffles Scientists April 22, 2015
• U-S Bird Flu Outbreak Continues to Spread April 22, 2015
• Flu Deaths Rising Globally  February 15, 2015
• Flu hits epidemic levels in U.S.  January 2, 2015
• ‘Highly Contagious’ Strain of Bird Flu Discovered in Holland November 17, 2014

‘Unprecedented’ Flu Outbreak Baffles Scientists

Millions of birds killed as AI spreads across 15 states

This is so unusual that we can’t help but think something different must be going on —avian medicine expert

A lethal strain of avian influenza (AI) has been detected at an egg-laying facility in NW Iowa, the top U.S. egg-producing state, forcing the health authorities to destroy millions of laying hens, according to USDA.

Iowa has a $2 billion egg-laying industry with about 50 million hens that supply 1 in every 5 eggs consumed across the U.S.

The latest outbreak has occurred at an egg production facility with at least 3.8 million laying hens in Osceola County, which has been placed under quarantine. The quarantine covers an area of about 10km (6 miles)  around the farm, a division of Sonstegard Foods Co., based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The outbreak has also prompted Wisconsin to declare a state of emergency after three poultry flocks became infected in the past week.

There are now 15 states with infected birds: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

As of Monday, at least 2.6 million birds had been killed.

The strain has also led to the deaths of at least 2.4 million turkeys nationwide (birds either killed by the disease or by authorities working to prevent the spread of virus).

“Authorities have confirmed N5N2 outbreaks at more than 30 commercial poultry farms in the Midwest, including 22 in Minnesota. All were turkey operations except for one chicken farm in Wisconsin,” said a report.

“Minnesota, the nation’s largest turkey producer, is the epicenter of the highly pathogenic H5N2 bird flu. The state annually produces about 46 million turkeys, meaning 4 to 5 percent of Minnesota’s annual production has now been affected by the flu,” said a report.

The virus can kill an entire flock within 48 hours, experts say.

AI spread from Asia to the Netherlands, Germany and Great Britain into the North American poultry farms.

Rapid spread of the virus has alarmed scientists who have so far been unable to unravel the mystery of how the deadly virus have infected so many turkey farms in such a short period of time, said a report.

“It’s been really troubling to understand how in the world this can possibly be happening,” said Carol Cardona, a professor of avian medicine at the University of Minnesota.

“This is so unusual that we can’t help but think something different must be going on,” she said.

“Since December 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in the Pacific, Central, and Mississippi flyways (or migratory bird paths). The disease has been found in wild birds, as well as in a few backyard and commercial poultry flocks,” said USDA

“The H5N8 virus originated in Asia and spread rapidly along wild bird migratory pathways during 2014, including the Pacific flyway.  In the Pacific flyway, the H5N8 virus has mixed with North American avian influenza viruses, creating new mixed-origin viruses.  This is not unexpected.  These mixed-origin viruses contain the Asian-origin H5 part of the virus, which is highly pathogenic to poultry.  The N parts of these viruses came from North American low pathogenic avian influenza viruses.”

U-S Bird Flu Outbreak Continues to Spread

Millions of bird flu cases found in 15 states since December

A lethal strain of bird flu has been detected at an egg-laying facility in NW Iowa, the top U.S. egg-producing state, forcing the health authorities to begin destroying more than 5.3 3.8 million laying hens, according to USDA.

Iowa has a $2 billion egg-laying industry with about 50 million hens that supply 1 in every 5 eggs consumed across the U.S.

The outbreak has also prompted Wisconsin to declare a state of emergency after three poultry flocks became infected in the past week.

There are now 15 states with infected birds: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

As of Monday, at least 2.6 million birds had been killed.

The strain has also led to the deaths of at least 2.4 million turkeys nationwide (birds either killed by the disease or by authorities working to prevent the spread of virus).

“Authorities have confirmed N5N2 outbreaks at more than 30 commercial poultry farms in the Midwest, including 22 in Minnesota. All were turkey operations except for one chicken farm in Wisconsin,” said a report.

“Minnesota, the nation’s largest turkey producer, is the epicenter of the highly pathogenic H5N2 bird flu. The state annually produces about 46 million turkeys, meaning 4 to 5 percent of Minnesota’s annual production has now been affected by the flu,” said a report.

The virus can kill an entire flock within 48 hours, experts say.

“Since December 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in the Pacific, Central, and Mississippi flyways (or migratory bird paths). The disease has been found in wild birds, as well as in a few backyard and commercial poultry flocks,” said USDA

“The H5N8 virus originated in Asia and spread rapidly along wild bird migratory pathways during 2014, including the Pacific flyway.  In the Pacific flyway, the H5N8 virus has mixed with North American avian influenza viruses, creating new mixed-origin viruses.  This is not unexpected.  These mixed-origin viruses contain the Asian-origin H5 part of the virus, which is highly pathogenic to poultry.  The N parts of these viruses came from North American low pathogenic avian influenza viruses.”

S. Korea Bans US Poultry Due to HPAI Concerns

Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed in Wild Birds in Washington State: USDA

South Korea has banned U.S. poultry imports following an outbreak of avian influenza (AI) in the US, said the Agriculture Ministry.

Authorities say the move is a “quarantine measure” to prevent the highly pathogenic (HPAI) virus from entering the country.

Highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza was confirmed in wild birds in Washington state—H5N2 detected in northern pintail ducks, and H5N8 found in captive gyrfalcons.

However, neither virus found in commercial poultry in U.S., and there’s no public health concern at this time, said USDA.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5 avian influenza in wild birds in Whatcom County, Washington. Two separate virus strains were identified: HPAI H5N2 in northern pintail ducks and HPAI H5N8 in captive Gyrfalcons that were fed hunter-killed wild birds. Neither virus has been found in commercial poultry anywhere in the United States and no human cases with these viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada or internationally. There is no immediate public health concern with either of these avian influenza viruses.

Both H5N2 and H5N8 viruses have been found in at least 18 other countries, but they “have not caused any human infection to date.”

The finding in Whatcom County was reported and identified quickly due to increased surveillance for avian influenza in light of HPAI H5N2 avian influenza outbreaks in poultry affecting commercial poultry farms in British Columbia, Canada. The northern pintail duck samples were collected by officials from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife following a waterfowl die-off at Wiser Lake, Washington, and were sent to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center for diagnostic evaluation and initial avian influenza testing. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s USGS, which also conducts ongoing avian influenza testing of wild bird mortality events, identified the samples as presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza and sent them to USDA for confirmation. The gyrfalcon samples were collected after the falconer reported signs of illness in his birds.

“Wild birds can be carriers of HPAI viruses without the birds appearing sick. People should avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds,” said USDA in a statement.

HPAI would have significant economic impacts if detected in U.S. domestic poultry. Commercial poultry producers follow strict biosecurity practices and raise their birds in very controlled environments. Federal officials emphasize that all bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue practicing good biosecurity. This includes preventing contact between your birds and wild birds, and reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through your state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

CDC says the risk to people from HPAI H5 infections in wild birds is low because (like H5N1) these viruses do not currently infect humans easily, and even if a person is infected, the viruses do not spread easily to other people.

Avian influenza (AI) is caused by influenza type A viruses which are endemic in some wild birds (such as wild ducks and swans) which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl). AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 17 (H1–H17), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 10 (N1–N10). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype, and can be further broken down into different strains. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity—the ability of a particular virus to produce disease in domestic chickens.

Global Disasters/ Significant Events Headlines – 14 April 2013

H7N9 avian flu human infections in China climb to 60, with 13 fatalities

Latest Update [2013-04-14 19:23:48 local time]: “Shanghai reported two more deaths from H7N9 bird flu on Sunday, while three new cases were confirmed, local health authorities said in a statement,” said a report.

• The latest update raises the infection toll to 60, and the fatalities to at least 13.

Earlier on Sunday…

Two new infections of H7N9 avian flu were reported in east China’s Jiangsu Province on Sunday, bringing the total number of such cases in China to 57.

“Eight new cases of human infection were reported nationwide on Sunday, with two in Henan Province in central China, two in Jiangsu Province and four in Zhejiang Province in east China. Of the 57 people infected thus far, 11 have died,” said a report.

All four patients in east China’s Zhejiang Province were in serious condition, according to the provincial health department, said a report.

• H7N9 Infection: Beijing Reports First Case, China’s 44th April 13, 2013

Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

This is a “novel” (non-human) virus and therefore has the potential to cause a pandemic if it were to change to become easily and sustainably spread from person-to-person. So far, this virus has not been determined to have that capability. However, influenza viruses constantly change and it’s possible that this virus could gain that ability. CDC takes routine preparedness actions whenever a new virus with pandemic potential is identified, including developing a candidate vaccine virus to make a vaccine if it were to be needed. There is no licensed H7 vaccine available at this time. —CDC

• Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus – CDC

.

UPDATE: Earthquake that hit “birthplace of Japan” caused by “unknown active fault”

The magnitude 6.0 quake that hit Awajishima Fukin on Apr 13, 2013, at 05:33 local time has reportedly injured two dozen people, 7 of them seriously, and damaged more than 1,900 homes.

• “The government’s earthquake research committee said Sunday an unknown active fault may have caused a magnitude 6.3 [revised down to M6.0 by JMA] earthquake that jolted western Japan early Saturday.” Kyodo reported.

• The fault reportedly extends about 10 km from north to south of the island, according to the committee.

• “There are many as-yet-unrecognized active faults,” warning that  M6  quakes could occur anywhere in Japan, the committee chief has said.

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude: 6.0
• Depth: 10 km
• Date and Time: April 13,  2013 at 05:33 JST (local time)
• Epicenter:  34.4ºN, 134.8ºE
• Region: Awajishima Fukin (Source: JMA)

EQ Location Map

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH.

.

U.S. Weather:  Major winter storm to impact the north central United States

A major winter storm will impact the north central United States through Monday morning, where total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches will be common. Some locales in central North Dakota could experience more than 15 inches of new snow. Strong gusty winds will also lead to considerable blowing and drifting snow and near blizzard conditions, creating hazardous travel conditions. —NWS

US Weather Hazards Map. The map shows 10 different Weather Warnings, including Red Flag Warnings across parts of 5 states. Source: NWS

H7N9 Infection: Beijing Reports First Case, China’s 44th

Avian Flu Death Toll Rises to 11 in China

A 7-year-old girl in Beijing has been infected with the H7N9 strain of bird flu, the first reported case in Beijing.

The new case has raised the number of H7N9 infections in China to 44, including 11 fatalities, so far this year, said a report.

The child’s parents work in live poultry market in Shunyi District,  a northeastern suburbs of Beijing, according to the report.

“The girl developed flu symptoms, including fever, cough, [suffocation,] sore throat and headache, Thursday morning. She was brought to the Beijing Ditan Hospital to seek medical treatment around noon and was then hospitalized for lung infection.“

Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

This is a “novel” (non-human) virus and therefore has the potential to cause a pandemic if it were to change to become easily and sustainably spread from person-to-person. So far, this virus has not been determined to have that capability. However, influenza viruses constantly change and it’s possible that this virus could gain that ability. CDC takes routine preparedness actions whenever a new virus with pandemic potential is identified, including developing a candidate vaccine virus to make a vaccine if it were to be needed. There is no licensed H7 vaccine available at this time. —CDC

• Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus – CDC

Other Global Disasters/ Significant Events

Vietnam: Cancer Death Rate One of the World’s Highest

More than 110,000 new cases of cancer are reported in Vietnam each year, with a fatality rate of 73.5 percent (82,000 deaths), one of the highest rates in the world, according to Hanoi-based Bach Mai Hospital.

• World average mortality rate for cancer is 59.7 percent.
• Average death rate is 67.8 percent in developing countries and 49.4 percent in developed countries.
  
• Most common types of cancer in Vietnam are lung, breast, large intestine, stomach, liver, prostate, uterus, cervix, esophagus, bladder, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, oral cavity, leukemia, pancreas, ovary and kidney.
• Most common cancers among Vietnamese men are lung, colorectal, stomach, prostate, while in women the most common are uterus and cervix cancers.
  

 

Climate Change Spreads “Deadly Dozen” Diseases

12 deadly pathogens could spread into new regions aided by climate change

A report by Wildlife Conservation Society released on October 7 lists 12 deadly pathogens that could spread globally as a result of climate change. “All have potential impacts to both human and wildlife health as well as global economies.” Report said.

Titled ‘The Deadly Dozen: Wildlife Diseases in the Age of Climate Change,’ the report illustrates examples of diseases that could spread due to temperatures changes and variations in regional precipitation levels.

Gram-positive Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Bacteria

Under a high magnification of 15549x, this colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicted some of the ultrastructural details seen in the cell wall configuration of a number of Gram-positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. As an obligate aerobic organism M. tuberculosis can only survive in an environment containing oxygen.

TB bacteria become active, and begin to multiply, if the immune system can’t stop them from growing. The bacteria attack the body and destroy tissue. If in the lungs, the bacteria can actually create a hole in the lung tissue. Some people develop active TB disease soon after becoming infected, before their immune system can fight off the bacteria. Other people may get sick later, when their immune system becomes weak for another reason.

Babies and young children often have weak immune systems. People infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, have very weak immune systems. Other people can have weak immune systems, too, especially people with any of these conditions: substance abuse; diabetes mellitus; silicosis; cancer of the head or neck; leukemia or Hodgkin’s disease; severe kidney disease; low body weight; certain medical treatments (such as corticosteroid treatment or organ transplants); specialized treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease. [Source: CDC – Caption: CDC/ Dr. Ray Butler; Janice Carr. Photo Credit: Janice Carr]

“The term ‘climate change’ conjures images of melting ice caps and rising sea levels that threaten coastal cities and nations, but just as important is how increasing temperatures and fluctuating precipitation levels will change the distribution of dangerous pathogens,” said Dr. Steven E. Sanderson, WCS President and CEO. “The health of wild animals is tightly linked to the ecosystems in which they live and influenced by the environment surrounding them, and even minor disturbances can have far-reaching consequences on what diseases they might encounter and transmit as climate changes. Monitoring wildlife health will help us predict where those trouble spots will occur and plan how to prepare.”

The “Deadly Dozen” list [ABC order]:

1. Avian influenza
2. Babesia
3. Cholera
4. Ebola
5. Intestinal and external parasites
6. Lyme disease
7. Plague
8. Red tides
9. Rift Valley fever
10. Sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis)
11. Tuberculosis
12. Yellow fever

This micrograph of human liver tissue infected with the Ebola virus, the cause of Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola HF), depicts the hepatic histopathologic changes that occur due to this illness.

The Ebola pathogen is a member of the Filoviridae family of RNA viruses. The exact origin, locations, and natural habitat (known as the “natural reservoir”) of Ebola virus remain unknown. However, on the basis of available evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the virus is zoonotic i.e., animal-borne, and is normally maintained in an animal host that is native to the African continent. A similar host is probably associated with Ebola-Reston which was isolated from infected cynomolgous monkeys that were imported to the United States and Italy from the Philippines. The virus is not known to be native to other continents, such as North America.

Source: CDC. Caption and photo credit: CDC/ Dr. Lyle Conrad]

The report “builds upon the recommendations included in a recently published paper titled ‘Wildlife Health as an Indicator of Climate Change,'” which is featured in a new book, Global Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: Understanding the Contributions to Infectious Disease Emergence, which was published by the National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine. The study examines the the impacts of climate change on wild animals and its implications for human health.

• Source: The Deadly Dozen
• Download Brochure

Related Links:

• The First Wave of World’s Collapsing Cities

.

It’s H5N1 and It’s Hong Kong, AGAIN!

HK culls all chickens as H5N1 spreads

Following further reports of H5N1 virus infections spreading among the poultry, Hong Kong health authorities announced on Wednesday that they would slaughter all chickens in the area.

Samples taken from several poultry markets in HK tested positive for the deadly H5N1 virus. “We have announced that all market stores and fresh provision shops selling live poultry are now infected areas,” they said, as they began culling chickens across some 470 stores in 64 markets throughout the city.

In a major bird flu outbreak in 1997, the entire 1.5 million poultry population in the city were culled. Other outbreaks of the bird flu have since occurred in Hong Kong. (Source)

Colorized transmission electron micrograph of Avian influenza A H5N1 viruses (seen in gold) grown in MDCK cells (seen in green). Avian influenza A viruses do not usually infect humans; however, several instances of human infections and outbreaks have been reported since 1997. (Source)

Hong Kong: The “Fragrant Harbor”

Why is Hong Kong so susceptible to the outbreaks of the bird flu? One answer may lie in the city’s poor standards of hygiene. Ironically, Hong Kong means ”fragrant harbor” in Chinese. Anyone who’s ever traveled to Hong Kong and experienced a few whiffs the Victoria Harbor could easily attest to that!

Related Links:

• On the trail of a killer (A Must Read Interview on SARS and the airborne sewage in Hong Kong)

Prevent Chinese chicken from entering our food supply

By Sarah Alexander, Food & Water Watch

As a member of Food & Water Watch, we think this is an important issue that you should know about. The Chinese government and some big agribusiness players want to export processed chicken from China to the U.S. However, the Chinese food safety system doesn’t have the best track record.

In the past year alone, American consumers have been exposed to dangerous imports ranging from deadly pet food and blood thinners, to toxic toys and fish. Now is not the time to add chicken to the list of imported products from China. Will you sign a petition saying, “No thanks,” to Chinese chicken?

Given China’s poor safety standards and lax enforcement policies, adding China to the list of meat exporters is not in the public interest. The incidence of avian flu is another reason to be cautious about accepting processed chicken from China.

However, the most compelling reasons have come from on-site inspections in China that have been conducted by U.S. inspectors. Here’s what they found:

• filthy and unsanitary conditions in the facilities;
• defective equipment;
• improper employee hygiene;
• lack of pre-shipment review procedures;
• and the lack of microbial testing for Salmonella and generic E. coli;

These sorts of violations create serious food safety problems. Now is definitely not the time to allow processed chicken from China. American consumers want a safe food supply, so until China fixes its broken system, it’s a good precaution to not allow poultry from China.

Will you sign our petition to Congress, saying, “No thanks,” to Chinese chicken?

Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food. We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and by transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.

Disclaimer: FEWW is not affiliated with Food & Water Watch. The above note and links are reprinted for the purpose of information only.