USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza in Commercial Turkey Flock in
Arkansas
CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks
and commercial poultry, to be low
WASHINGTON, March 11, 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 commercial turkey flock in Boone County,
Arkansas. The flock of 40,020 turkeys is located within the Mississippi flyway where this strain
of avian influenza has previously been identified. CDC considers the risk to people from these
HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low.
Samples from the turkey flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the
Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the APHIS
National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the findings. APHIS is
working closely with the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission on a joint incident
response. State officials quarantined the affected premises and birds on the property will be
depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food
system.
No human infections with the virus have been detected at this time. The Arkansas
Livestock and Poultry Commission is working directly with poultry workers at the affected
facility to ensure that they are taking the proper precautions. 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 be informing the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as well as
international trading partners of this finding. 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 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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http://www.aphis.usda.gov/stakeholders/downloads/2015/sa_hpai_arkansas.pdf
