Iowa - No new probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza today; depopulation and disposal of birds from previously announced sites is ongoing (June 04, 2015)

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Thursday, June 4, 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

NO NEW CASES OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN IOWA TODAY; DEPOPULATION, DISPOSAL AT AFFECTED SITES ONGOING CDC considers the risk to people to be low DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said there are no new probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) today. Depopulation and disposal of birds from previously announced sites is ongoing. USDA has taken the lead in working with the owners of affected sites to ensure the safe and humane euthanasia of birds. USDA has more than 1700 staff and contractors helping respond to the avian influenza situation in Iowa. Depopulation should be complete today on all previously announced turkey sites. All of those birds will be composted on site. As of June 3, 24.1 million of the 27.7 million commercial layers and pullets have been euthanized. Disposal is ongoing using composting, on-site burial, incineration and landfills. 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. Bio-secure waste containers from affected sites are also being moved to landfills in Mills and Sioux counties. Additional trucks are being added to the operation. All materials are transported along Iowa Department of Transportation-approved routes. All trucks are cleaned and disinfected when the leave an affected site and again before leaving the landfill. A photo of the cleaning and disinfection process is attached. Updated information about the number cases, when they are confirmed and other relevant 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 also has Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and FAQ discussing food safety: We have the power (60 seconds) We have the power (30 seconds) Q&A: Food Safety and Avian Influenza Iowa agencies assist in response to Avian Influenza The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Public Health (in conjunction with local public health officials), Iowa Department of Human Services, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Iowa National Guard have all supported the response effort to this disease. The State Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated to ensure coordination of all state resources. .../ http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/press...s06042015b.asp