High-Path Avian Influenza: Preparedness, Surveillance and Reporting
This information can be downloaded from this link HPAI Surveillane AHAdvy-1-15-16 (1)
On January 14, 2016, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N8 was diagnosed in a commercial turkey flock in Southwestern Indiana. This Advisory offers guidance to Hoosiers for reporting suspicious cases, signs of the
This Advisory offers guidance to Hoosiers for reporting suspicious cases, signs of the disease and important information about the impact of this disease.
SITUATION UPDATES & NOTIFICATIONS
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), in cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services (USDA-VS), is the official reporting agency for HPAI. A webpage has been established to provide situation updates, as needed, regarding the identification of HPAI in the state. Updates will be online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. A link on that page will allow anyone to sign up to receive email notices when updates are posted. Please subscribe and/or encourage others to do so.
As part of the state’s comprehensive emergency management plan, BOAH has activated a Joint Information Center (JIC) to handle media inquiries and issue updates. This brings together the key responding agencies to ensure messaging is consistent and current, and all relevant updates are provided in a one-stop shop.
IMPORTANT POINTS
Essential points to note about the current ongoing HPAI disease event:
1. The food supply is safe. All shipments of poultry and eggs are tested to ensure the absence of avian influenza (AI) before moving into the food supply.
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the risk of transmission to humans is low. The H7N8 strain of HPAI that was diagnosed in Southwestern Indiana has no history of causing human illness.
3. Poultry owners should practice good biosecurity. This includes minimizing or eliminating the exposure poultry have to wild birds and their droppings.
SURVEILLANCE & REPORTING COMMERCIAL FLOCKS
BOAH is working closely with the Indiana State Poultry Association (ISPA) and the commercial poultry industry to control disease spread in this HPAI event. Commercial producers are aware of steps to identify and report possible cases according to established industry plans. BOAH, the lead agency, is coordinating response from multiple state and federal agencies in cooperation with USDA.
BACKYARD FLOCKS
Owners of small/backyard poultry flocks can help aid in general surveillance by reporting any unusual deaths or illness indicative of HPAI within the flock. Reports should be made to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a federal or state veterinarian in Indiana for case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.
Birds affected with HPAI may show one or more of the following signs:
• Sudden death without clinical signs
• Lack of energy and appetite
• Decreased egg production
• Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
• Nasal discharge
• Coughing, sneezing
• Incoordination
• Diarrhea
A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov/
WILD BIRDS
HPAI has been found primarily in wild migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.). The virus is shed in their feces; therefore, bodies of water and resting areas could be sources of infection. Wild waterfowl present the biggest threat, because they do not appear sick or die from the disease. Other bird species may also carry the disease.
Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to take steps to minimize their birds’ contact with wild bird species. Hoosiers who notice unusual wild bird deaths (that is: 5 or more feeder-type bird deaths in close proximity) should report them to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at: 812-334-1137. The DNR wild bird biologists will make a determination about collecting the dead birds for surveillance testing.
MORE INFORMATION
More information about HPAI, as well as preparedness and planning efforts, is online at:
http://www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm The Board of Animal Health may be found online at: http://www.boah.in.gov; on social media at: www.facebook.com\INBOAH and Twitter at: @INBOAH.
