Iowa - Two probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Sac and Hamilton counties

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Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Dustin Vande Hoef 515/281-3375 or 515/326-1616 (cell) or Dustin.VandeHoef@IowaAgriculture.gov Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing Services0

TWO PROBABLE CASES OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN SAC AND HAMILTON COUNTIES CDC considers the risk to people to be low DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Sac and Hamilton counties. The Department has quarantined the premise and once the presence of the disease is confirmed, all birds on the property will be humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease. Sac 8 – Turkey farm with an estimated 40,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames. Hamilton 3 – Turkey farm with an estimated 19,600 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames. As the Department receives final confirmations of the disease updated information will be posted to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website at www.iowaagriculture.gov/avianinfluenza.asp. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Iowa Department of Public Health considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low. No human infections with the virus have ever been detected and there is no food safety risk for consumers. USDA Update A large incinerator at Cherokee landfill is currently operational and processing approximately seven loads a day in the start-up phase. Adjustments are being made to increase capacity. Waste containers from affected sites are being moved to two landfills and the incinerator at Cherokee, with 16 containers moved on Monday. Additional trucks are being added to the operation. Staff from the Incident Response will meet with individual producers of affected farms to review and assist in preparation of paperwork necessary for a Cooperative Compliance Agreement at offices in the affected areas. Producers may contact 970-556-2497 to schedule an appointment. .../ http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/press...s06032015b.asp