USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza in Commercial Turkey Flocks in Missouri;
CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low
WASHINGTON, March 10, 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 two separate commercial turkey flocks in
Missouri. The flocks are located in Jasper County and Moniteau County, 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 flocks, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the
Missouri Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the APHIS National
Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the findings. APHIS is working
closely with the Missouri Department of Agriculture on a joint incident response. State officials
quarantined the affected premises and the remaining birds on the properties will be depopulated
to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the involved flocks will not enter the food system.
No human infections with these viruses have been detected at this time. The Missouri
Department of Agriculture 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_missouri.pdf
