Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Lessons Learned: Management Should Make It Hard For The System To Fail

“When you are suspicious, it is very important to have fast lab results and quick depopulation of live birds if the results are positive. As the disease progresses through a farm, the environmental contamination grows and promotes the spreading,” said Dr. Jill Nezworski, Blue House Veterinary, during her presentation at the “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Lessons Learned” education program, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and United Egg Producers and held during the 2016 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, Ga. Nezworski discussed “Lessons Learned in the Layer Industry” in which she provided comparisons and contrasts between early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on farms and late detection due to mortality.

Nezworski observed that diagnosis of HPAI should be communicated to employees in an organized chain of command, and every hourly employee must also be educated and empowered. She remarked that, “False alarms may come up, but it is more important to create a culture in which it is fine to be wrong or overcautious.” Nezworski also discussed key lessons, such as the disposal of birds being held in a secure spot and the need for extra people. She emphasized that it is essential to have a quick and realistic depopulation plan, as well as a primary plan and a backup plan for carcass disposal. After depopulation is over, she underscored the need for the entire site to be decontaminated with the thought that even outside premises still likely accumulate viral contamination. Nezworski stressed that big risks should be addressed, and management should make it hard for the system to fail.

During his presentation on “Lessons Learned in the Turkey Industry,” Dr. Ben Wileman, Ag Forte, reflected that a clear sign of HPAI on a turkey farm is when a person enters the house and the turkeys are quiet. Wileman observed that when sick, animals develop neurologic signs, twist their necks and have tremors. He recommended, “When in doubt, test it.”

Once avian influenza is detected, Wileman stressed that timely depopulation is critical. He commented that biosecurity has to be both physical (i.e.: walls, fences, boots, etc.) and operational (i.e.: showers, clothing changes, etc.) in procedure. In order to really work, biosecurity has to be effective and practical.