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.

 

 

 

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

45 Million Birds Affected by Avian Flu in U.S.

Bird Flu Continues to Devastate US Poultry Industry

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

• Detections Reported: 207
  
• Birds Affected: 45,027,793
• First Detection Reported: December 19, 2014
• Last Detection Reported: June 2, 2015
• No of Flocks pending tests: 14

Worst Affected Areas

• Iowa: 29,261,400 Birds Affected
• Minnesota: 8,394,450
• Nebraska: 3,794,100
• Wisconsin: 1,950,733
• South Dakota: 1,168,200

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

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

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.