Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
[h=1]Avian Influenza[/h]
[h=2]Summary of HPAI Events in Minnesota[/h] [TABLE="width: 100%, height: 156"]
[TR]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]Pope[/TD]
[TD]Lac Qui Parle[/TD]
[TD]Stearns Site 1[/TD]
[TD]Nobles[/TD]
[TD]Stearns Site 2[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Total barns on premises[/TD]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD]3[/TD]
[TD]4[/TD]
[TD]3[/TD]
[TD]3[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Number of barns with sick and/or dead poultry[/TD]
[TD]1[/TD]
[TD]2[/TD]
[TD]1[/TD]
[TD]1[/TD]
[TD]1[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Total number of birds on premises[/TD]
[TD]44,000[/TD]
[TD]66,000[/TD]
[TD]39,000[/TD]
[TD]21,000[/TD]
[TD]71,000[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Remaining birds have been depopulated?[/TD]
[TD]Yes[/TD]
[TD]Yes[/TD]
[TD]Yes[/TD]
[TD]Yes[/TD]
[TD]Expected completion 4-3-15[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Control area quarantine has been lifted?[/TD]
[TD] 4-2-15[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Affected farm quarantine has been lifted?[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
*Total number of birds affected in Minnesota ? 241,000
*Approximately 1/3 of the affected birds have died from avian influenza, and 2/3 of the affected birds have been euthanized to prevent further spread of the virus
[h=2]Stearns County Event - Site 2[/h]
USDA HPAI Stakeholder Announcements
HPAI FAQs
[h=2]Nobles County Event[/h]
USDA HPAI Stakeholder Announcements
HPAI FAQs
[h=2]Stearns County Event - Site 1[/h]
[h=4]Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory[/h] Phone: (320) 231-5170
Poultry@state.mn.us
[h=4][/h] [h=4]University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory[/h] Phone: (800) 605-8787
Vdl@umn.edu
[h=3]Reporting[/h] As we work to contain and get rid of HPAI in Minnesota, it is extremely important that bird owners and poultry producers report sick or dead birds.
Contact your veterinarian or the Board of Animal Health immediately if you notice any of the following in your flock:
[h=2]Disease Information[/h] Influenza is a virus that can infect humans and many animal species, including poultry and other birds. Influenza is not uncommon and it has been around for centuries. Influenza in poultry is not a food safety issue.
Influenza in poultry falls into two groups: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Similar to influenza symptoms in people, birds infected with LPAI usually experience only mild signs if any, including respiratory signs such as conjunctivitis and nasal discharge, ruffled feathers or a drop in egg production. Unlike LPAI, the first indication of HPAI in poultry is sudden death, often without signs of illness. In the last 40 years, there have been introductions of LPAI in Minnesota poultry all of which have been successfully eliminated.
The Board continues to work together with Minnesota?s poultry industry and other state and federal agencies to prepare for and respond to introductions of influenza in poultry. The state?s voluntary cooperative control plan includes education, monitoring, reporting, and response. Testing for influenza in poultry is conducted at the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory in Willmar. Commercial and non-commercial poultry flocks are routinely monitored for influenza.
https://www.bah.state.mn.us/avian-influenza
[h=2]Summary of HPAI Events in Minnesota[/h] [TABLE="width: 100%, height: 156"]
[TR]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD]Pope[/TD]
[TD]Lac Qui Parle[/TD]
[TD]Stearns Site 1[/TD]
[TD]Nobles[/TD]
[TD]Stearns Site 2[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Total barns on premises[/TD]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD]3[/TD]
[TD]4[/TD]
[TD]3[/TD]
[TD]3[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Number of barns with sick and/or dead poultry[/TD]
[TD]1[/TD]
[TD]2[/TD]
[TD]1[/TD]
[TD]1[/TD]
[TD]1[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Total number of birds on premises[/TD]
[TD]44,000[/TD]
[TD]66,000[/TD]
[TD]39,000[/TD]
[TD]21,000[/TD]
[TD]71,000[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Remaining birds have been depopulated?[/TD]
[TD]Yes[/TD]
[TD]Yes[/TD]
[TD]Yes[/TD]
[TD]Yes[/TD]
[TD]Expected completion 4-3-15[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Control area quarantine has been lifted?[/TD]
[TD] 4-2-15[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Affected farm quarantine has been lifted?[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[TD]No[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
*Total number of birds affected in Minnesota ? 241,000
*Approximately 1/3 of the affected birds have died from avian influenza, and 2/3 of the affected birds have been euthanized to prevent further spread of the virus
[h=2]Stearns County Event - Site 2[/h]
[h=3]April 2, 2015[/h] 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 second commercial turkey flock in Stearns County, Minnesota. This is the fifth confirmation in a commercial flock in Minnesota. The flock of 71,000 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. No human infections with the virus have been detected at this time.
Samples from the turkey flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the findings. APHIS is working closely with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health 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.
The Minnesota Department of Health 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.
View the USDA stakeholder announcement.
Map of Response ZoneSamples from the turkey flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the findings. APHIS is working closely with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health 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.
The Minnesota Department of Health 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.
View the USDA stakeholder announcement.
USDA HPAI Stakeholder Announcements
HPAI FAQs
[h=2]Nobles County Event[/h]
[h=3]April 3, 2015[/h] Affected Farm
Birds remaining on the affected farm in Nobles County have been euthanized. Animals health officials are working with the producer on carcass disposal by composting inside the barns. The farm remains under quarantine.
Control Area
There are no additional commercial poultry farms within the 10 km control area in Nobles County. Several backyard flocks have been identified and placed under quarantine by the Board of Animal Health. We expect to finish collecting samples for the first round of surveillance testing on the control area flocks today.
Surveillance Zone
Board representatives are working to contact individuals in the surveillance zone to determine whether there are birds currently on the premises. Bird owners and poultry producers in this area will be updated on the situation and asked to closely monitor their flocks and immediately report any sick or dead birds to the Board.
There have been no cases of human illness as a result of H5N2. The risk to the public is very low and there is no food safety concern.
Map of Response ZoneBirds remaining on the affected farm in Nobles County have been euthanized. Animals health officials are working with the producer on carcass disposal by composting inside the barns. The farm remains under quarantine.
Control Area
There are no additional commercial poultry farms within the 10 km control area in Nobles County. Several backyard flocks have been identified and placed under quarantine by the Board of Animal Health. We expect to finish collecting samples for the first round of surveillance testing on the control area flocks today.
Surveillance Zone
Board representatives are working to contact individuals in the surveillance zone to determine whether there are birds currently on the premises. Bird owners and poultry producers in this area will be updated on the situation and asked to closely monitor their flocks and immediately report any sick or dead birds to the Board.
There have been no cases of human illness as a result of H5N2. The risk to the public is very low and there is no food safety concern.
USDA HPAI Stakeholder Announcements
HPAI FAQs
[h=2]Stearns County Event - Site 1[/h]
[h=3]March 31, 2015[/h] Affected Farm
The birds remaining on the affected farm in Stearns County were euthanized on March 30, 2015. The turkey carcasses are being composted onsite inside the barns. The site remains under quarantine.
Control Area
All poultry premises in the control area in Stearns County have been identified. There are 60 backyard flocks in the control area; 58 of those have already been sampled for avian influenza testing and placed under quarantine by the Board of Animal Health. The other two backyard flocks will be tested today.
There are 15 ? 20 commercial sites in the control area. The birds on these sites have routinely been tested for avian influenza for years. In accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, commercial poultry producers in the control area are complying with stringent testing, biosecurity and permitting protocols in order to move poultry or poultry products off their farms.
Surveillance Zone
The Board of Animal Health continues to notify individuals who own poultry in the surveillance zone. The purpose is to provide them with information on the H5N2 situation and answer questions on biosecurity and health monitoring of their flocks.
There have been no cases of human illness as a result of H5N2. The risk to the public is very low and there is no food safety concern.
[h=2]Lac Qui Parle County Event[/h] The birds remaining on the affected farm in Stearns County were euthanized on March 30, 2015. The turkey carcasses are being composted onsite inside the barns. The site remains under quarantine.
Control Area
All poultry premises in the control area in Stearns County have been identified. There are 60 backyard flocks in the control area; 58 of those have already been sampled for avian influenza testing and placed under quarantine by the Board of Animal Health. The other two backyard flocks will be tested today.
There are 15 ? 20 commercial sites in the control area. The birds on these sites have routinely been tested for avian influenza for years. In accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, commercial poultry producers in the control area are complying with stringent testing, biosecurity and permitting protocols in order to move poultry or poultry products off their farms.
Surveillance Zone
The Board of Animal Health continues to notify individuals who own poultry in the surveillance zone. The purpose is to provide them with information on the H5N2 situation and answer questions on biosecurity and health monitoring of their flocks.
There have been no cases of human illness as a result of H5N2. The risk to the public is very low and there is no food safety concern.
[h=3]April 2, 2015[/h] Affected Farm
The affected farm in Lac Qui Parle County remains under quarantine. The turkey carcasses are composted inside the barns; a process that will take about one month to complete.
Control Area
Backyard flocks on a total of 13 premises (not counting the affected farm) in the control area were tested for avian influenza. We are pleased to announce that all tests were negative. These flocks will be tested a second time and will remain under quarantine to allow time for additional observation.
There have been no cases of human illness as a result of H5N2. The risk to the public is very low and there is no food safety concern.
[h=2]Pope County Event[/h] The affected farm in Lac Qui Parle County remains under quarantine. The turkey carcasses are composted inside the barns; a process that will take about one month to complete.
Control Area
Backyard flocks on a total of 13 premises (not counting the affected farm) in the control area were tested for avian influenza. We are pleased to announce that all tests were negative. These flocks will be tested a second time and will remain under quarantine to allow time for additional observation.
There have been no cases of human illness as a result of H5N2. The risk to the public is very low and there is no food safety concern.
[h=3]April 2, 2015[/h] Control Area
The 30 backyard flocks in the Pope County control area were released from quarantine today.
Affected Farm
The farm in Pope County remains under quarantine. The turkey carcasses are composted inside the barns; a process that will take about one month to complete.
[h=2]Biosecurity[/h] Protecting your birds from disease has always been important. However, taking biosecurity to the next level is now more crucial than ever. As we work together to eliminate HPAI and add strength to Minnesota?s poultry industry, there are small steps you can take that will have a big impact.The 30 backyard flocks in the Pope County control area were released from quarantine today.
Affected Farm
The farm in Pope County remains under quarantine. The turkey carcasses are composted inside the barns; a process that will take about one month to complete.
- Eliminate opportunities for your birds to interact with wild birds. We know that wild waterfowl are carriers of disease, including HPAI. The best way to avoid diseases that wildlife carry is to keep domestic animals separated from the wild.
- If you have birds at home, do not visit another farm, home or facility that also has birds. If you must visit another premises, be sure to shower and put on clean clothes and shoes beforehand.
- Remember that vehicles can be vehicles for disease transmission. Before you drive down the road, consider where you are going. Will you be heading to the fair, another farm or a live bird market? If the answer is yes, be sure your vehicle is clean and free of dirt, manure and other organic material.
- Early detection can help prevent the spread of disease. Knowing the signs to look for and monitoring the health of your birds on a regular basis is very important. Some signs to look for include nasal discharge, unusually quiet birds, decreased food and water consumption, drop in egg production, and increased/unusual death loss in your flock.
- Report sick and dead birds to state health officials immediately. If your birds appear sick or you have experienced increased mortality, fill out our online report form, call the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory at 320-231-5170, or contact your local veterinarian right away.
- U of M Extension Poultry Production and Health
- Video: Biosecurity for Backyard Birds (Hmong subtitles)
- Video: Simple Steps to Keep Backyard Poultry Healthy
- Biosecurity for the Birds
- Avian Influenza Basics for Organic and Pastured flocks
- Avian Influenza Basics for Urban and Backyard flocks
[h=4]Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory[/h] Phone: (320) 231-5170
Poultry@state.mn.us
[h=4][/h] [h=4]University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory[/h] Phone: (800) 605-8787
Vdl@umn.edu
[h=3]Reporting[/h] As we work to contain and get rid of HPAI in Minnesota, it is extremely important that bird owners and poultry producers report sick or dead birds.
Contact your veterinarian or the Board of Animal Health immediately if you notice any of the following in your flock:
- Unusual or high death loss
- Influenza-like signs such as nasal secretions, puffy eyes, ruffled feathers or a drop in egg production
- Loss of appetite with decreased food and water consumption
- Paralysis and other nervous signs
- Lack of vocalization
- Minnesota Board of Animal Health ? We are the lead response agency for on-the-ground operations and communications. Our team works closely with and under advisement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on defining disease control zones, testing and quarantine procedures and public release of information.
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) - USDA-APHIS are our federal partners in responding to HPAI.
- Minnesota Department of Health - Minnesota Department of Health?s (MDH) primary role is to coordinate with animal health agencies, local public health, and industry to identify, protect, and monitor the health of poultry workers and others in direct contact with infected birds. MDH also serves as a source of information for the public on any human health risks.
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture -The Minnesota Department of Agriculture provides emergency response support to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health during animal disease outbreaks.Through the establishment of an Incident Command System (ICS), the agencies are able to share facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications to effectively and efficiently respond to a domestic incident under urgent conditions.
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ? The mission of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to work with citizens to conserve and manage the state?s natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.
- University of Minnesota ? The University of Minnesota provides university research to those in the poultry industry. They provide education materials and programs for the commercial poultry industry, niche producers, extension educators, youth, and consumers.
- Poultry Industry - The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) and the Chicken and Egg Association of Minnesota (CEAM) work closely with state and national agencies to coordinate the communication of the latest information to Minnesota?s poultry industry through a variety of methods. These organizations take the lead in providing education and outreach to their members on how farmers can keep their flocks safe from disease threats, while also working closely with University of Minnesota Extension to provide information to small flock and backyard flock owners. MTGA and CEAM communicate with other state poultry associations as needed, and serve as a resource for the media.
[h=2]Disease Information[/h] Influenza is a virus that can infect humans and many animal species, including poultry and other birds. Influenza is not uncommon and it has been around for centuries. Influenza in poultry is not a food safety issue.
Influenza in poultry falls into two groups: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Similar to influenza symptoms in people, birds infected with LPAI usually experience only mild signs if any, including respiratory signs such as conjunctivitis and nasal discharge, ruffled feathers or a drop in egg production. Unlike LPAI, the first indication of HPAI in poultry is sudden death, often without signs of illness. In the last 40 years, there have been introductions of LPAI in Minnesota poultry all of which have been successfully eliminated.
The Board continues to work together with Minnesota?s poultry industry and other state and federal agencies to prepare for and respond to introductions of influenza in poultry. The state?s voluntary cooperative control plan includes education, monitoring, reporting, and response. Testing for influenza in poultry is conducted at the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory in Willmar. Commercial and non-commercial poultry flocks are routinely monitored for influenza.
https://www.bah.state.mn.us/avian-influenza
