Avian influenza confirmed in Indiana

Jan 18, 2016

Other states taking precautions as a result

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed that nine flocks in Indiana have a strain of avian influenza.

All nine flocks were confirmed to have H7N8 avian flu. Since the initial confirmation of the disease in Dubois County, Indiana on Jan. 15, eight flocks have been deemed as low pathogenic while another flock is undergoing additional testing.

APHIS said the strain is different from the one that caused the outbreak in 2015.

USDA Chief Veterinarian John Clifford said swift action helped control the highly pathogenic flock.

“Through cooperative industry, state and federal efforts, we were able to quickly identify and isolate the highly pathogenic case, and depopulate that flock,” he said.

“Together, we are also working to stop further spread of the LPAI (low pathogenic) virus, and will continue aggressive testing on additional premises within the expanded control area to ensure any additional cases of either HPAI (high pathogenic) or LPAI are identified and controlled quickly.”

Despite quick action and control measures, at least one state isn’t taking any chances.

Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert Stout re-enacted restrictions on bird sales and movement within the state, noting the reasoning is fairly simple.

“Poultry is Kentucky’s leading agricultural commodity, and we will do everything we can to keep our commercial and backyard poultry industries secure,” he said.

Mike Strain, Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner, is telling residents to use the Indiana discovery of avian flu as a reason to revisit biosecurity practices.

“This new case of HPAI in Indiana should serve as reminder to all Louisiana poultry producers that while we haven’t had any cases of the disease in our state the threat remains.

“I’m urging all poultry owners to be vigilant with biosecurity protocols in order to protect our valuable poultry industry,” Strain said.

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