Montana - USDA confirms highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard mixed-poultry flock in Judith Basin County

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• USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza in Backyard Flock in Montana; CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza in Backyard Flock in Montana

Last Modified: Apr 2, 2015

CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2015 -- The United States Department of Agriculture?s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard mixed-poultry flock in Judith Basin County, Montana. CDC 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 been detected at this time.

Samples from the flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. APHIS is working closely with the Montana Department of Livestock to respond to the finding. State officials quarantined the affected premises and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area. 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 include this information in routine updates to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and will notify international trading partners of this finding as appropriate. 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 report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their 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 http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
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MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK:
CONTACTS: MARTIN ZALUSKI (444-2043); TAHNEE SZYMANSKI (444-5214)

Avian Influenza Reported in domestic poultry from Judith Basin County

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in chickens in Judith Basin County. This is the first case of HPAI reported in domestic poultry in Montana and comes less than a week after the disease was detected in a captive gyrfalcon in Flathead County.

Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds that can cause high mortality rates in domestic flocks. Avian influenza viruses rarely cause clinical signs in wild waterfowl, although raptors and wild game birds (pheasants, quail, turkey, and grouse) may be more susceptible to HPAI. Avian influenza is a reportable disease in Montana. The presence of avian influenza in a country or region can have significant impacts on the trade of poultry products.

The poultry flock, which experienced increased mortality, was confirmed to have HPAI strain H5N2 at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, IA. The affected flock has been placed under quarantine and is required to be depopulated. Disposal of the birds will be done to prevent further spread of the disease. The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) is conducting an epidemiological investigation and will be identifying other poultry producers in the area to conduct disease surveillance and to provide educational resources. Owners of affected flocks are eligible to receive indemnity from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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http://liv.mt.gov/content/news/2015/HPAIPressRelease.pdf

http://liv.mt.gov/default.mcpx