Monday, June 1, 2015

USDA has confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the US



 

USDA has confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the US


Since December 2014, the USDA has confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in the Pacific, Central and Mississippi flyways (migratory bird paths).  The disease has been found in wild birds, as well as in backyard and commercial chicken and turkey flocks.  The USDA considers this finding to be part of the ongoing avian influenza disease incident.  There is no immediate public health concern as a result of these detections.  However, the AHDC urges you to ensure that if you own birds, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, increase your biosecurity, preventing contact between your birds and wild birds, as well as report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to the appropriate state and/or federal officials through the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-0218 or USDA APHIS Veterinary Services NY office at 717-540-2777.  Our poultry expert on the Veterinary Support Services team, Dr. Jarra Jagne, is working closely with NYS and federal animal health officials and is available to assist with diagnostic concerns and biosecurity planning for commercial and backyard poultry.