USDA Study Provides Insight Into Causes Of Avian Flu

Jul 31, 2015

An updated study on how avian influenza is infiltrating turkey farms suggests equipment and age are probably playing a role.

Earlier this month USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, followed up an early June report identifying certain factors that might lead to flocks getting infected.

APHIS studied 81 turkey farms across the Midwestern United States and concluded that the farms typically followed biosecurity protocols, but vehicles, people and buildings could transmit the disease.

Preventative procedures used included spraying vehicle tires with disinfectant at the farm entrance, requiring visitors and employees to wear coveralls, disposable boot covers and rodent control.

The updated report, issued July 15th, also found that adult turkeys may be more susceptible to the virus. According to APHIS, more than fifty percent of the infected birds were at least halfway through their typical lifecycle of 12 to 22 weeks. APHIS says extra vigilance may be needed while birds are in the mid to latter part of life stage before going to market.

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Video: Environmental Effects on Sow Fertility - Dr. Isabela Bez

In this special episode celebrating International Women's Day of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, we bring Dr. Isabela Bez, a veterinarian and PhD student in Brazil, who explains how temperature and light regimes influence sow reproductive performance. She discusses seasonal infertility, climate adaptation, and why environmental monitoring inside barns is critical for herd efficiency. The episode highlights practical management strategies to reduce reproductive losses and improve outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms. "Environmental factors are actually very important on sow reproduction, and sometimes these are the factors that producers tend to not pay attention." Meet the guest: Dr. Isabela Bez / isabela-cristina-cola%c3%a7o-bez-1753381b0 is a veterinarian and PhD student in Animal Science at Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Brazil. Her work focuses on swine reproduction, nutrition, and animal welfare, with strong expertise in environmental effects on sow performance. She collaborates with international farms and research groups to improve reproductive efficiency through applied science.