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USDA - Highly Pathogenic H5N8 Avian Influenza Confirmed in Commercial Flocks in California

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  • USDA - Highly Pathogenic H5N8 Avian Influenza Confirmed in Commercial Flocks in California

    Source: http://outbreaknewstoday.com/h5n8-av...y-flock-564888/


    H5N8 avian influenza confirmed in California turkey flock
    Posted by Staff on January 24, 2015

    The United States Department of Agriculture?s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5N8 avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in Stanislaus County, California. This is the first finding of HPAI in commercial poultry during the ongoing disease incident in the Pacific Flyway. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada, or internationally, and there continues to be no public health concern...

  • #2
    Highly Pathogenic H5N8 Avian Influenza Confirmed in Commercial Turkey Flock in California

    Last Modified: Jan 24, 2015

    No immediate public health concern; detected strain is not known to harm humans
    Contacts:
    Joelle Hayden (301) 851-4040
    joelle.r.hayden@aphis.usda.gov
    Ed Curlett (301) 851-4052
    ed.c.curlett@aphis.usda.gov

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2015? The United States Department of Agriculture?s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5N8 avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in Stanislaus County, California. This is the first finding of HPAI in commercial poultry during the ongoing disease incident in the Pacific Flyway. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada, or internationally, and there continues to be no public health concern.

    Samples from the flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS) and the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the finding. APHIS is partnering closely with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), which has quarantined the facility. APHIS and CDFA have initiated an incident command response, and APHIS will assist CDFA in depopulating the remaining birds on the property to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the involved flock will not enter the food system.
    H5N8 has not been shown to present a health risk to the public. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses.
    Federal and State partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area, following existing avian influenza response plans. These plans also will include preventing the movement of risky animals or products out of the immediate area to prevent further disease spread. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and in migratory wild bird populations.
    USDA will be notifying the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of this detection as part of USDA?s ongoing reporting of all HPAI findings. USDA also continues to communicate with trading partners to encourage adherence to OIE standards and minimize trade impacts. OIE trade guidelines call on countries to base trade restrictions on sound science and, whenever possible, limit restrictions to those animals and animal products within a defined region that pose a risk of spreading disease of concern.
    These virus strains can travel in wild birds without them 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.
    All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and to report 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
    Additional background:
    Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or ?H? proteins, of which there are 16 (H1?H16), and neuraminidase or ?N? proteins, of which there are 9 (N1?N9). 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 (low or high)?the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic chickens.
    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. 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.
    USDA has identified two mixed-origin viruses in the Pacific Flyway: the H5N2 virus and new H5N1 virus. The new H5N1 virus is not the same virus as the H5N1 virus found in Asia, Europe and Africa that has caused some human illness. Detailed analysis of the virus is underway in cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. None of these viruses have been identified in humans, nor are expected to pose a public health risk.
    For more information about the ongoing avian influenza disease incident in the Pacific Flyway visit the APHIS website. More information about avian influenza can be found on the USDA avian influenza page.



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    Comment


    • #3
      Highly pathogenic avian influenza,
      United States of America
      Information received on 26/01/2015 from Dr John Clifford, Deputy Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, United States of America
      Summary
      Report type Follow-up report No. 5
      Date of start of the event 10/12/2014
      Date of pre-confirmation of the event 14/12/2014
      Report date 25/01/2015
      Date submitted to OIE 26/01/2015
      Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
      Date of previous occurrence 2004
      Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
      Causal agent Highly pathogenic avian influenza
      Serotype H5N8
      Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (advanced)
      This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
      Related reports Immediate notification (16/12/2014)
      Follow-up report No. 1 (19/12/2014)
      Follow-up report No. 2 (29/12/2014)
      Follow-up report No. 3 (07/01/2015)
      Follow-up report No. 4 (22/01/2015)
      Follow-up report No. 5 (25/01/2015)
      New outbreaks (1)
      Outbreak 1 Stanislaus County, Stanislaus, CALIFORNIA
      Date of start of the outbreak 19/01/2015
      Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
      Epidemiological unit Farm
      Affected animals
      Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
      Birds 145000 4500 1200
      Affected population A commercial turkey operation. Only one house of 9000 birds on the facility has been affected and showing increased mortality.
      Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
      Total animals affected
      Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
      Birds 145000 ** 4500 1200
      Outbreak statistics
      Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
      Birds ** 3.10% ** **
      *Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
      **Not calculated because of missing information
      Epidemiology
      Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
      • Contact with wild species
      Epidemiological comments The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in conjunction with State Departments of Agriculture and Wildlife, are continuing to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and enhanced surveillance (including wild bird surveillance of hunter harvested birds) in response to the HPAI H5N8 and H5N2 wild bird related events. Novel avian influenza virus of Eurasian origin (EA-H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4) spread rapidly along wild bird migratory pathways during 2014. Introduction of this EA-H5N8 virus into the Pacific Flyway sometime during 2014 has allowed mixing with North American (AM) lineage viruses and generated new combinations with genes from both EA and AM origin (or ?reassortant? viruses) such as the EA/AM H5N2-reassortant detected in Canada and the US. These findings are not unexpected as the EA-H5N8 virus continues to circulate. The EA H5 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses are highly pathogenic for poultry. The detection of the HPAI H5N8 in the commercial turkey flock is considered to be related to the recent avian influenza events in wild birds. The partial HA/NA sequences are >99% similar to A/gyrfalcon/WA/41088-6/2014 based upon direct sequencing from swabs of 2 different turkeys. The commercial turkey premises is in a remote location and has been quarantined. Comprehensive epidemiological investigation and enhanced surveillance is being conducted. Additional recent testing of other turkey houses on the premises has been negative for avian influenza.
      Control measures
      Measures applied
      • Stamping out
      • Quarantine
      • Movement control inside the country
      • Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
      • Vaccination prohibited
      • No treatment of affected animals
      Measures to be applied
      • No other measures
      Diagnostic test results
      Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
      National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) (National laboratory) Birds real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 23/01/2015 Positive
      National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) (National laboratory) Birds virus sequencing 23/01/2015 Positive
      Future Reporting
      The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
      .../
      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
      -Nelson Mandela

      Comment


      • #4
        Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial Poultry Flock (Broiler Chickens and Ducks) in Kings County, CA

        Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in a commercial poultry operation that consists of broiler chickens and ducks in Kings County, California. The flock experienced increased mortality, and samples were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory for testing. The samples were then sent to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory for confirmation. On February 12, 2015, the infection was confirmed as influenza A virus subtype H5N8. The strain is compatible with EA-H5N8.

        There is no immediate public health concern with this Avian Influenza Virus strain or the others that have been found in the Pacific Flyway since December 2014. Poultry and eggs that are cooked properly are still safe to consume.

        CDFA and USDA have initiated an emergency disease response. The infected premises and other commercial poultry farms in the control area have been placed under State Veterinarian Quarantine. State and federal veterinarians will oversee depopulation of the remaining birds on the property in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Within the control area, movement of poultry and poultry products is prohibited unless under an official permit. Other movement (e.g. vehicles and equipment) will be monitored and require appropriate biosecurity measures.

        Surveillance and outreach efforts are in effect and will continue over the next several weeks. Increased biosecurity and keeping birds housed away from open water sources that attract wild waterfowl is advised during this time. If you observe signs of illness or increased mortality, please call your private veterinarian, Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-2473, CDFA Animal Health Branch District Office, or USDA. For more information, please visit: USDA APHIS Avian Influenza Disease Website.

        http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_...influenza.html

        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
        -Nelson Mandela

        Comment


        • #5
          Information received on 13/02/2015 from Dr John Clifford, Deputy Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, United States of America
          Summary
          Report type Follow-up report No. 7
          Date of start of the event 10/12/2014
          Date of pre-confirmation of the event 14/12/2014
          Report date 13/02/2015
          Date submitted to OIE 13/02/2015
          Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
          Date of previous occurrence 2004
          Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
          Causal agent Highly pathogenic avian influenza
          Serotype H5N8
          Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (advanced)
          This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
          Related reports Immediate notification (16/12/2014)
          Follow-up report No. 1 (19/12/2014)
          Follow-up report No. 2 (29/12/2014)
          Follow-up report No. 3 (07/01/2015)
          Follow-up report No. 4 (22/01/2015)
          Follow-up report No. 5 (25/01/2015)
          Follow-up report No. 6 (03/02/2015)
          Follow-up report No. 7 (13/02/2015)
          New outbreaks (1)
          Outbreak 1 Kings County, Kings, CALIFORNIA
          Date of start of the outbreak 02/02/2015
          Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
          Epidemiological unit Farm
          Affected animals
          Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
          Birds 114000
          Affected population A commercial chicken and duck operation.
          Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
          Total animals affected
          Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
          Birds 114000 **
          Outbreak statistics
          Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
          Birds ** ** ** **
          *Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
          **Not calculated because of missing information
          Epidemiology
          Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
          • Contact with wild species
          Epidemiological comments The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in conjunction with State Departments of Agriculture and Wildlife, are continuing to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and enhanced surveillance (including wild bird surveillance of hunter harvested birds) in response to the HPAI H5N8 and H5N2 wild bird related events. Novel avian influenza virus of Eurasian origin (EA-H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4) spread rapidly along wild bird migratory pathways during 2014. Introduction of this EA-H5N8 virus into the Pacific Flyway sometime during 2014 has allowed mixing with North American (AM) lineage viruses and generated new combinations with genes from both EA and AM origin (or ?reassortant? viruses) such as the EA/AM H5N2-reassortant detected in Canada and the US. These findings are not unexpected as the EA-H5N8 virus continues to circulate. The EA H5 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses are highly pathogenic for poultry. On 12 February 2015, the USDA APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed HPAI EA H5N8 virus in a commercial chicken and duck flock in Kings County, California. The flock was experiencing an increase in chicken mortality. The detection of the HPAI H5N8 in the commercial chicken and duck flock is related to the recent avian influenza events in wild birds. The partial HA/NA sequence is >99% similar to A/gyrfalcon/WA/41088-6/2014 HPAI EA H5N8 based upon direct sequence attempt from chicken swab specimen. The premises has been quarantined. Comprehensive epidemiological investigation and enhanced surveillance on the affected premises and in the area is being conducted.
          Control measures
          Measures applied
          • Stamping out
          • Quarantine
          • Movement control inside the country
          • Zoning
          • Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
          • Vaccination prohibited
          • No treatment of affected animals
          Measures to be applied
          • No other measures
          Diagnostic test results
          Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
          National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) (National laboratory) Birds real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 12/02/2015 Positive
          National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) (National laboratory) Birds virus sequencing 12/02/2015 Positive
          Future Reporting
          The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
          .../
          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

          Comment

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