New Dubois H7 Confirmed Farms Are Low Path

niman · January 17, 2016

APHIS has just released a press release indicating 8 of the 9 new farms in Dubois County, Indiana are LOW PATH (likely wild bird origin).

niman · January 17, 2016

Update on H7 Avian Influenza Cases in Indiana, Additional Flocks Now Confirmed as Low Pathogenic; Cases Found Through Surveillance Testing in Initial Control Area

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 01/17/2016 01:51 PM EST

WASHINGTON, January 17, 2016 -- The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the pathogenicity of eight of the nine H7N8 avian influenza detections announced on January 16. The turkey flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza, with additional testing ongoing for the ninth flock.

These January 16 detections were identified as part of surveillance testing in the control area surrounding the initial highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza (HPAI) case in that state, identified on January 15.

The pathogenicity of a virus refers to its ability to produce disease. Birds with low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) often show no signs of infection or only have minor symptoms. HPAI viruses spread quickly and cause high mortality in domestic poultry. H7 LPAI viruses have been known to mutate into HPAI viruses in the past.

“It appears that there was a low pathogenic virus circulating in the poultry population in this area, and that virus likely mutated into a highly pathogenic virus in one flock,” said Dr. John Clifford, USDA Chief Veterinarian. “Through cooperative industry, state and federal efforts, we were able to quickly identify and isolate the highly pathogenic case, and depopulate that flock. Together, we are also working to stop further spread of the LPAI virus, and will continue aggressive testing on additional premises within the expanded control area to ensure any additional cases of either HPAI or LPAI are identified and controlled quickly.”

APHIS continues to work closely with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the affected poultry industry on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the additional affected premises and depopulation of birds has already begun. Depopulation prevents the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

No human infections associated with avian influenza A viruses of this particular subtype (i.e., H7N8) have ever been reported. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including HPAI.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners continue to work on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area. No new presumptive cases have been identified since January 16.

The rapid testing and response in this incident is the result of months of planning with local, state, federal and industry partners to ensure the most efficient and effective coordination. Since the previous HPAI detections in 2015, APHIS and its state and industry partners have learned valuable lessons to help implement stronger preparedness and response capabilities. In September, APHIS published a HPAI Preparedness and Response Plan that captures the results of this planning effort, organizing information on preparatory activities, policy decisions and updated strategy documents.

The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

Anyone involved with poultry production, from the small backyard to the large commercial producer, should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. To facilitate such a review, a biosecurity self-assessment and educational materials can be found at http://www.uspoultry.org/animal_husbandry/intro.cfm

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Additional background

Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype, and can be further broken down into different strains. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity (low or high)— the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic chickens.

http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/bulletins/130c612

Admin · January 17, 2016

--- PRESS RELEASE ---

For Immediate Release

Indiana Clarifies Avian Flu

Findings in Nine Flocks

Laboratory Results Confirmed Overnight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS (17 Jan. 2016)--Laboratory testing of samples from eight of nine Southern Indiana turkey flocks was completed overnight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. While all nine were announced as H7 influenza-positive yesterday, the specific strain was yet to be determined. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has been informed eight are low-pathogenic H7N8. Testing continues on the remaining sample.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk of illness to humans to be very low.

Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh, DVM calls this good news, and evidence that Indiana’s aggressive surveillance and response efforts in Dubois County are working.

“The low-path H7N8 virus was identified during testing in the 10-km zone around the initial flu-positive flock,” Dr. Marsh said. “Because flu viruses are constantly mutating, we want to catch any case as early as possible after infection. We know this virus strain can intensify, so finding these cases as low-path strains shows we are keeping pace with the spread of this disease in the area.”

In addition to the HxNx naming scheme for specific strains, AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity—the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic chickens. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus strains are extremely infectious, often fatal to domestic poultry, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus strains occur naturally in wild migratory waterfowl and shorebirds without causing illness. LPAI viruses have the potential to mutate into HPAI.

“This finding does not alter the aggressive control strategy BOAH has set forth,” added Dr. Marsh. “Nor does it change our resolve to eliminate this virus wherever we find it.”

Priority response by the state of Indiana and USDA continues on all the infected farms. Turkeys are being humanely euthanized on infected sites within 24 hours of diagnosis. Depopulation eliminates the source of infection to prevent the disease from spreading. Disposal of the turkeys, primarily via indoor composting, will be followed by thorough cleaning and disinfection of all barns.

Aggressive testing of other poultry farms in the area continues. During the last 24 hours, commercial farms have yielded 100 negative flu tests, beyond the nine new positives. In addition, state and federal teams have visited 503 residences in the area to identify any small flocks for testing. Tests are pending on 17 small flocks. Residential visits will continue in the 10-km area.

About Indiana Poultry:

Dubois County is Indiana's largest turkey-producing county, growing 1.4 million birds annually. The state ranks fourth in the nation in turkey production. As a major supplier of eggs, ducks and chickens, too, Indiana's poultry industry generates $2.4 billion and employs 14,000 Hoosiers.

UPDATES and INFORMATION:

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza response activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm . Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

#

For additional information, contact:

Denise Derrer at 317-544-2414

[email protected]

About the Indiana State Board of Animal Health

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), also known as "the Office of the State Veterinarian", has primary mission areas of: animal health, food safety (Dairy, Meat and Poultry Inspection), disaster preparedness and animal care.

For more information,visit www.boah.in.gov.

Admin · January 17, 2016

Affected Counties 2016

County & Flock #	Date Confirmed Positive	Number of Poultry	Type of Operation	Status	Type
Dubois 1	Jan. 14, 2016	62,000	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	H7N8
Dubois 2	Jan. 16, 2016	21,000	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 3	Jan. 16, 2016	29,000	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 4	Jan. 16, 2016	12,000	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 5	Jan. 16, 2016	22,000	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 6	Jan. 16, 2016	23,500	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	H7 Suspect
Dubois 7	Jan. 16, 2016	11,700	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 8	Jan. 16, 2016	37,000	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 9	Jan. 16, 2016	16,700	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 10	Jan. 16, 2016	6,600	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8

TBD = to be determined

Current Statewide Situation
Total number of affected premises = 10
Total number of affected counties = 1

Premises by County/Number of flocks
Dubois : 10

Total number of birds affected in Indiana
Commercial Turkey: 240,900

_________________
Total: TBD

http://www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm

Admin · January 17, 2016

Edited January 17, 2016 by Admin

Admin · January 18, 2016

State of Indiana Response to Avian Flu in Dubois County

1/17/16

New information is in bold italics

DEVELOPING SITUATION

United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the pathogenicity of eight of the nine H7N8 avian influenza detections announced on January 16. Eight flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza, with additional testing ongoing for the ninth.

There were no new positive tests overnight, but aggressive testing continues inside the 10-km control area. In the last 24 hours, commercial farms have yielded an additional 100 negative tests for avian influenza. State and federal teams have visited 503 residences in the control area to identify any small flocks for testing. Tests are pending on 17 small flocks.

Confirmed cases of Avian Flu have been found in Dubois County. State, local and federal agencies are working together on containment and depopulation operations.

An estimated 119,500 birds have been humanely euthanized on four premises, with another six premises containing approximately 121,400 birds currently underway. The control area is primarily in Dubois County, and has expanded to include parts of Crawford, Daviess, Martin and Orange counties. All infected sites are in Dubois County.

STATE RESPONSE

A Unified Incident Command Post (UCP) has been established in Jasper, Indiana. The post is staffed by a state Incident Management Team, along with federal and local partners.

State Agencies supporting activities in the UCP: The State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana State Police and mental health services teams from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Other organizations supporting activities in the UCP: United States Department of Agriculture, Indiana University, Dubois County Emergency Management Agency and Dubois County Health Department and the Indiana Civil Air Patrol.

State Emergency Operations Center: Under the leadership of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), the Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at Level III and will remain activated 24 hours a day to monitor conditions and provide resource support to local county emergency agencies.

State Agencies supporting activities in the EOC: State Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Correction.

FEDERAL RESPONSE

The United States Department of Agriculture has approximately 50 representatives, along with private contractors, in Dubois County assisting with state and local efforts. A National Incident Management Team will be arriving in Indiana this weekend to help coordinate efforts.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this virus. Human infection from an H7 virus is uncommon, but can cause some conjunctivitis and/or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for illness.

Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

niman · January 18, 2016

State of Indiana Response to Avian Flu in Dubois County
1/17/16

New information is in bold italics

DEVELOPING SITUATION

United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the pathogenicity of eight of the nine H7N8 avian influenza detections announced on January 16. Eight flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza, with additional testing ongoing for the ninth.

There were no new positive tests overnight, but aggressive testing continues inside the 10-km control area. In the last 24 hours, commercial farms have yielded an additional 100 negative tests for avian influenza. State and federal teams have visited 503 residences in the control area to identify any small flocks for testing. Tests are pending on 17 small flocks.

Confirmed cases of Avian Flu have been found in Dubois County. State, local and federal agencies are working together on containment and depopulation operations.

An estimated 119,500 birds have been humanely euthanized on four premises, with another six premises containing approximately 121,400 birds currently underway. The control area is primarily in Dubois County, and has expanded to include parts of Crawford, Daviess, Martin and Orange counties. All infected sites are in Dubois County.

STATE RESPONSE

A Unified Incident Command Post (UCP) has been established in Jasper, Indiana. The post is staffed by a state Incident Management Team, along with federal and local partners.

State Agencies supporting activities in the UCP: The State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana State Police and mental health services teams from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Other organizations supporting activities in the UCP: United States Department of Agriculture, Indiana University, Dubois County Emergency Management Agency and Dubois County Health Department and the Indiana Civil Air Patrol.

State Emergency Operations Center: Under the leadership of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), the Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at Level III and will remain activated 24 hours a day to monitor conditions and provide resource support to local county emergency agencies.

State Agencies supporting activities in the EOC: State Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Correction.

FEDERAL RESPONSE

The United States Department of Agriculture has approximately 50 representatives, along with private contractors, in Dubois County assisting with state and local efforts. A National Incident Management Team will be arriving in Indiana this weekend to help coordinate efforts.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this virus. Human infection from an H7 virus is uncommon, but can cause some conjunctivitis and/or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for illness.

Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

niman · January 18, 2016

State Responds To Avian Flu In Dubois County

Updated January 18, 2016 6:34 AM | Filed under: Agriculture

Print

Avian Flu Spreading, Nearly A Quarter Million Birds Affected

By NETWORK INDIANA

Posted January 18, 2016

Indiana ranks fourth in the nation in turkey production.

Photo: Courtesy: Governor Pence Press Office

Governor Mike Pence joins state and local officials Saturday to speak with local media following the briefing at the Unified Incident Command center in Jasper, Indiana.

At least ten commercial turkey farms in the Dubois County area have now tested positive for avian flu.

The total number of birds affected totaled 240,900. An estimated 119,500 birds have been euthanized on four premises.

“Any movement off this farm of birds has stopped,” says Denise Derrer, with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. “These birds are going to be depopulated as part of the requirement under international trade agreements. and so that is kind of the protocol for this disease so it doesn’t move any farther.”

The control area is primarily in Dubois County, and has expanded to include parts of Crawford, Daviess, Martin and Orange counties. All infected sites are in Dubois County.

Dubois County is Indiana’s largest turkey-producing county, growing 1.4 million birds annually.

Health officials say Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk.

“Your poultry products are safe,” says Derrer. “Your eggs are safe. Chicken, turkey, just keep eating it, it’s not a human health risk and certainly not a food safety risk.”

Governor Mike Pence toured the area Saturday and said the focus right now is a “multi-agency” effort to stop the spread of the disease and work on containment.

“The poultry industry is vital to Indiana and we are bringing all necessary resources to deal with this situation,” said Pence.

Indiana ranks fourth in the nation in turkey production.

This is the first time a commercial flock in Indiana has ever received bird flu.

http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/avian-flu-spreading-quarter-million-birds-affected-92427/

niman · January 18, 2016

US govt activates emergency bird flu plan

3 Hours AgoReuters

U.S. farm and health officials are racing to assess the threat that a type of bird flu never before seen in the country poses to humans and poultry, employing emergency plans drawn up in the wake of a devastating outbreak in birds last year.

The federal government sprang into action on Friday after confirmation overnight that the virus had hit an Indiana turkey farm, alerting other states to the danger and putting workers who might have been exposed to the virus under surveillance.

Last year's outbreak led to the deaths of more than 48 million chickens and turkeys, either killed by the virus or culled to contain it. No cases were reported in humans.

Strains similar to the new virus, known as H7N8, have on rare occasions made people ill and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state officials aim to reduce the risk of human infection.

They also want to blunt the impact on the poultry industry, which suffered billions of dollars in losses in last year's outbreak. Egg supplies shrank and prices surged to record highs.

"We are hopeful that as we respond very quickly to this virus that we can get it contained and hopefully not see an extensive outbreak like we did last year," said T.J. Myers, an associate deputy administrator for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Even if the response is fast, the government's ability to contain the disease is far from certain. Officials have never dealt with this strain before, and wild birds are thought to spread the disease to farms through feces dropped from the air, making infections difficult to prevent.

U.S. officials have taken to heart lessons from last year's outbreak, when USDA workers could not always kill infected flocks fast enough to contain the virus. Workers are now trying to cull sick flocks within 24 hours of diagnoses, following a goal the agency set in the autumn.

Most turkeys at the infected farm were killed within a day, but it was 29 hours before all were dead, said Denise Derrer, spokeswoman for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.

No human infections associated with the new strain have ever been reported, according to the USDA.

Especially Deadly to Poultry

Still, people who interacted with infected turkeys were quickly placed under a new monitoring plan developed in response to last year's outbreak, Michael Jhung, a medical officer at the CDC, told Reuters. The agency also plans to conduct lab tests and animal studies of the virus.

Similar H7 viruses - which share the same surface proteins - have caused problems in people ranging from mild, flu-like symptoms to serious respiratory illness, Jhung said.

"We know very little about this particular virus because we haven't seen it, but we want to take as many precautions as we can to prevent any human infections," he said.

There is always uncertainty around any new strain of influenza because the virus acquires mutations passing from host to host.

The Indiana flock appears to have become infected when a less dangerous form of the virus in the area mutated, said John Clifford, the USDA's chief veterinarian.

Limited genetic data from preliminary diagnostic tests last week showed this H7N8 virus originated from North America, while last year's strains had roots in Europe and Asia, government officials said.

North American viruses have typically posed less of a threat to humans than viruses from the Asian Avian H5N1 lineage, said Carol Cardona, an avian flu expert at the University of Minnesota.

Viruses in the H5N1 lineage "are super bad guys," Cardona said. Still, outbreaks of North American viruses in Pennsylvania in 1983 and British Columbia in 2000 were "devastating and difficult" for poultry, she added.

The new strain found in the United States, like these previous viruses, is considered highly pathogenic, meaning it is especially deadly to poultry.

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/01/18/us-govt-activates-emergency-bird-flu-plan.html

niman · January 18, 2016

Poultry Exports Hampered As Depopulation of 400,000 Birds Takes Place in Idiana (AUDIO)

JANUARY 18, 2016 12:00 PM

The news that a new strain of avian influenza (H7N8) was detected on an Indiana turkey farm last week has alarmed those in agriculture about the prospect of another devastating outbreak of bird flu. Dr. TJ Myers, associate deputy administrator, for USDA's APHIS Veterinary Service, updated producers on the situation during Monday's AgriTalk.

2015 Lesson Learned: Depopulate Quickly

The H7N8 strain of avian influenza is of North American lineage, according to Myers. That's different from the 2015 virus, which was a Eurasian version. This new “homegrown” strain was first found in the highly pathogenic form on a large turkey farm in Dubois County, Indiana on Friday. Around 60,000 birds were immediately depopulated at the site.

“One of the lessons learned from 2015 outbreak is that we need to depopulate rather quickly to keep the virus spreading to additional farms,” Myers says.

Surveillance was conducted in a six-mile radius, a best practice, explains Myers. According to the State Board of Animal Health, there were 65 farms within this surveillance area. On Saturday, nine more farms were found to be carrying a low pathogenic, or less deadly, form of the virus. Those farms have also begun the depopulation process, which will bring the total number of birds lost in this outbreak to around 400,000, according to Myers.

Listen to Myers on AgriTalk below:

Outbreak Slows Poultry Exports

Several countries which import American poultry have already restricted access, according to Myers. South Korea has banned any poultry from the U.S. to enter its borders.

“The good news is that Mexico, Canada and Japan have agreed to only restrict birds from the state of Indiana,” Myers says. “Going forward, we can work with those countries to restrict birds at the county level.”

The European Union is only restricting birds grown in Dubois County.

Surveillance Continues

“Poultry flocks in the surrounding area are being tested daily for the presence of avian influenza,” the Indiana State Board of Animal Health said in a statement. “State and federal agencies are working alongside the poultry operations to minimize the impact and eliminate the disease.”

Poultry companies have expanded surveillance and testing far beyond the standard distance in hopes of stopping the outbreak quickly. “The goal is to identify any new cases quickly and respond to the quickly to stop any spread of the virus,” Myers says.

No additional cases have been reported since Saturday.

Surveillance will continue for some time, according to Myers. As the depopulation efforts finish up, he says attention turns to the recovery of the birds, which are composted for 28 days. The final step is virus elimination and decontamination which Myers says will “help the producers get back into production as soon as possible.”

Vaccine Possibilities

Is there a vaccine for this new strain on the horizon? Possibly. According to Myers, officials hope to stop this outbreak before needing a vaccine, but one might be produced.

“There are H7 vaccines that are licensed, and we are currently looking at the genetics of this virus to see if there are any similarities,” he says adding, “since we have a low-path virus from this outbreak, that virus that could be used to create a vaccine.”

Avian influenza cannot be spread to humans, but APHIS is keeping an eye on all employees involved in the process as a precaution.

“Avian influenza viruses are ones that can mutate,” he says. “We are working with public health to make sure all folks involved in this response are monitored for signs of illness.”

http://www.agweb.com/article/poultry-exports-hampered-as-depopulation-of-400000-birds-takes-place-in-idiana-audio-naa-anna-lisa-laca/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

niman · January 18, 2016

More avian influenza cases in Indiana

1 COMMENTS 0

January 18, 2016

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The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) is reporting several additional sites with avian influenza in Indiana.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the pathogenicity of eight of the nine H7N8 avian influenza detections announced on Jan. 16. The turkey flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza, with additional testing ongoing for the ninth flock.

These Jan. 16 detections were identified as part of surveillance testing in the control area surrounding the initial highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza (HPAI) case in that state, identified on Jan. 15.

Sam Custer, with Ohio State University in Darke County, is watching the situation closely on Ohio’s border with Indiana in the heart of Ohio’s poultry industry.

“This virus is different from last year virus and it is of North American lineage,” Custer said. “This particular combination is uncommon but is not unheard of. Only partial sequences have been obtained and the full sequence of the virus necessary for a better understanding of its origin will be obtained sometime this week. Notification to the international community is underway and a few countries have already shut down exports from the U.S. Caution, discretion and biosecurity should be observed in all commercial and noncommercial poultry premises.”

The pathogenicity of a virus refers to its ability to produce disease. Birds with low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) often show no signs of infection or only have minor symptoms. HPAI viruses spread quickly and cause high mortality in domestic poultry. H7 LPAI viruses have been known to mutate into HPAI viruses in the past.

“It appears that there was a low pathogenic virus circulating in the poultry population in this area, and that virus likely mutated into a highly pathogenic virus in one flock,” said Dr. John Clifford, USDA Chief Veterinarian. “Through cooperative industry, state and federal efforts, we were able to quickly identify and isolate the highly pathogenic case, and depopulate that flock. Together, we are also working to stop further spread of the LPAI virus, and will continue aggressive testing on additional premises within the expanded control area to ensure any additional cases of either HPAI or LPAI are identified and controlled quickly.”

APHIS continues to work closely with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the affected poultry industry on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the additional affected premises and depopulation of birds has already begun. Depopulation prevents the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

No human infections associated with avian influenza A viruses of this particular subtype (i.e., H7N8) have ever been reported. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F kills bacteria and viruses, including HPAI.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners continue to work on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area. No new presumptive cases have been identified since Jan. 16.

The rapid testing and response in this incident is the result of months of planning with local, state, federal and industry partners to ensure the most efficient and effective coordination. Since the previous HPAI detections in 2015, APHIS and its state and industry partners have learned valuable lessons to help implement stronger preparedness and response capabilities. In September, APHIS published a HPAI Preparedness and Response Plan that captures the results of this planning effort, organizing information on preparatory activities, policy decisions and updated strategy documents.

The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype, and can be further broken down into different strains. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity (low or high) — the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic chickens.

Anyone involved with poultry production, from the small backyard to the large commercial producer, should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. To facilitate such a review, a biosecurity self-assessment and educational materials can be found athttp://www.uspoultry.org/animal_husbandry/intro.cfm.

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found athttp://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

http://ocj.com/2016/01/more-avian-influenza-cases-in-indiana/

niman · January 18, 2016

APHIS H7N8 press releases

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/newsroom/news

niman · January 18, 2016

Affected Counties 2016

County & Flock #	Date Confirmed Positive	Number of Poultry	Type of Operation	Status	Type
Dubois 1	Jan. 14, 2016	62,213	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	H7N8
Dubois 2	Jan. 16, 2016	37,798	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 3	Jan. 16, 2016	28,751	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 4	Jan. 16, 2016	12,000	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 5	Jan. 16, 2016	22,225	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 5.2	Dangerous Contact Not Infected**	156,000	Commercial Layers	Depopulation is underway	Negative
Dubois 6	Jan. 16, 2016	23,500	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	H7 Suspect
Dubois 7	Jan. 16, 2016	11,705	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 8	Jan. 16, 2016	36,695	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 9	Jan. 16, 2016	16,951	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 10	Jan. 16, 2016	5,325	Commercial Turkey	Depopulation is underway	LPAI H7N8

TBD = to be determined

**This negative flock is depopulated because of its proximity to infected turkeys.

Current Statewide Situation
Total number of affected premises = 10
Total number of affected counties = 1

Premises by County/Number of flocks
Dubois : 10

Total number of birds affected in Indiana
Commercial Turkey: 245,163

Commercial Chickens (Layers): 156,000

_________________
Total: 401,163

Admin · January 18, 2016

State of Indiana Response to Avian Flu in Dubois County

1/18/16

New information is in bold italics

DEVELOPING SITUATION

Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) and U.S. Department of Agriculture teams have visited 900-plus residences in a 10-kilometer radius “control area” around the original site to identify small, “backyard” flocks of birds for precautionary monitoring and testing. To date, 27 such flocks have been identified. These efforts will continue.

Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh, DVM, today announced the addition of an extra 10-kilomenter “surveillance zone,” beyond the 10-km control area. This is an added precaution to ensure the region is influenza-free. (“Kilometers” are used rather than “miles” because of international standardization protocols for such situations.)

There are 155,000 egg-laying chickens (“layers”) that are NOT infected, but are being depopulated and disposed of via landfill because the facility is considered a “dangerous contact” to an infected turkey flock. The laying facility is located very close to an infected barn, putting the birds at high risk of contracting the disease. These chickens do not have influenza. This brings the total number of birds affected to 401,163.

Depopulation efforts continue, although hampered by the extreme cold temperatures, which cause water sources to freeze. Currently, depopulation has been completed at six of the 10 turkey flocks. Work continues on the remaining four, as well as the newly added layer facility. Euthanized turkeys are being composted in the buildings in which they were housed. The composting process takes about 30 days, after which time, the remaining material can be used agriculturally because it will not contain the virus.

Control area flock tests continue to come back with NEGATIVE results, meaning no virus was detected. In the last 24 hours, 221 tests have been submitted.

The Indiana State Department of Health is working with the Dubois County Health Department to monitor the health of workers who have had contact with infected birds to ensure they are healthy and verify that the H7N8 virus has not transmitted to people.

Mental health services are being provided in Jasper to those who have been affected by the HPAI event. Services are open to anyone and everyone, not just site workers. Daily group sessions are held at the command post during lunch hour, and at the staging area during dinner hour. Services will be provided as long as needed. A mental health treatment hotline, provided by Southern Hills Counseling Center in Jasper, is available by calling: 812-482-3020. If the call is made after hours, the caller needs to press 0.

United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the pathogenicity of eight of the nine H7N8 avian influenza detections announced on January 16. Eight flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza, with additional testing ongoing for the ninth.

There were no new positive tests overnight, but aggressive testing continues inside the 10-km control area. In the last 24 hours, commercial farms have yielded an additional 100 negative tests for avian influenza. State and federal teams have visited 503 residences in the control area to identify any small flocks for testing. Tests are pending on 17 small flocks.

Confirmed cases of Avian Flu have been found in Dubois County. State, local and federal agencies are working together on containment and depopulation operations.

An estimated 119,500 birds have been humanely euthanized on four premises, with another six premises containing approximately 121,400 birds currently underway. The control area is primarily in Dubois County, and has expanded to include parts of Crawford, Daviess, Martin and Orange counties. All infected sites are in Dubois County.

STATE RESPONSE

A Unified Incident Command Post (UCP) has been established in Jasper, Indiana. The post is staffed by a state Incident Management Team, along with federal and local partners.

State Agencies supporting activities in the UCP: The Indiana State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana State Police and mental health services teams from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Other organizations supporting activities in the UCP: United States Department of Agriculture, Indiana University, Dubois County Emergency Management Agency and Dubois County Health Department.

State Emergency Operations Center: Under the leadership of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), the Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at Level III and will remain activated 24 hours a day to monitor conditions and provide resource support to local county emergency agencies.

State Agencies supporting activities in the EOC: State Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Correction.

FEDERAL RESPONSE

The United States Department of Agriculture has approximately 50 representatives, along with private contractors, in Dubois County assisting with state and local efforts. A National Incident Management Team will be arriving in Indiana this weekend to help coordinate efforts.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this virus. Human infection from an H7 virus is uncommon, but can cause some conjunctivitis and/or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for illness.

Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

niman · January 19, 2016

State Update To Avian Flu In Dubois County

Updated January 19, 2016 2:46 AM | Filed under: Agriculture

Print

H7N8 detections at more Indiana farms suggest mutation

Lisa Schnirring | News Editor | CIDRAP News

|

Jan 19, 2016

Testing at nearby farms in the wake of a highly pathogenic H7N8 avian flu outbreak that struck a turkey facility in southern Indiana last week turned up a low-pathogenic version of the virus eight more farms, hinting that the virus mutated to a more lethal strain as it spread.

In a related development, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that, because H7 viruses have infected people before, so human infections from the new strain could occur, though the risk to the general public is low.

Although many questions remain about the newly detected strain, tests show that Indiana's H7N8 strain is a North American lineage virus, according to a Jan 15 report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Deaths at the Dubois County turkey producer prompted testing, and results were confirmed and announced on Jan 15.

Low-path detections

After the first H5N8-affected farm was reported on Jan 15, the Indiana Board of Animal Health (IBAH) announced nine additional H7 detections on Jan 16 and said initial tests indicated highly pathogenic H7N8, a subtype that hasn't been detected before in the United States, and that further tests were under way.

A day later, however, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) said eight of those nine additional H7 detections were low-pathogenic H7N8 and that tests were ongoing on the ninth flock. The IBAH released a clarification on the pathogenicity of the newly detected viruses the same day.

Birds infected with low-pathogenic avian influenza often have no symptoms or only minor signs of infection. APHIS noted that low-pathogenic H7 viruses, though, have been known to mutate into highly pathogenic strains, which have the potential to spread quickly and cause many deaths in domestic poultry.

John Clifford, DVM, the USDA's chief veterinarian, said, "It appears that there was a low pathogenic virus circulating in the poultry population in this area, and that virus likely mutated into a highly pathogenic virus in one flock." He said that state, industry, and federal sectors worked together to quickly isolate and depopulate the first flock and that efforts are under way to curb the spread of the low-pathogenic version of H7N8.

APHIS said Indiana officials have quarantined the additional farms, and culling has already begun.

Egg farm depopulated; cold slows culling

The IBAH said yesterday that 155,000 egg-laying chickens at a farm that tested negative for the virus are being destroyed as a precaution, because they are considered a "dangerous contact" to an infected farm. That stamping-out operation brings the bird loss number to 401,163.

Culling operations over the past few days have been hampered by extremely cold temperatures, which froze water sources, the IBAH said. So far the step has been completed at 6 of the 10 turkey farms.

Bret Marsh, DVM, Indiana state veterinarian, said in a statement that finding the low-path virus is a sign that animal health officials are keeping pace with the spread of the virus in the area but won't signal a let-up in response efforts. "This finding does not alter the aggressive control strategy [the state's Board of Animal Health] has set forth," he said. "Nor does it change our resolve to eliminate this virus wherever we find it."

So far outbreaks have been reported in Dubois County only, but the surveillance area has now been expanded to include parts of Crawford, Davies, Martin, and Orange counties.

CDC weighs H7 threat to humans

In its statement today, the CDC said no human H7N8 cases have ever been reported in the world, but H7 infections in the past have caused a wide range of symptoms, from just conjunctivitis to severe respiratory illness. The CDC said people at greatest risk are those who have close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or their environments.

Recommendations for the new virus are the same as for the highly pathogenic H5N2 strain that caused more than 200 outbreaks in US poultry last year. According to the CDC, people who had contact with sick birds or their environments should be monitored for 10 days, even if contact was minimal and personal protective equipment was properly worn. Indiana health officials have implemented their monitoring plan, the CDC added.

As with other avian flu viruses, the CDC recommends antiviral medication for symptomatic people.

See also:

Jan 17 APHIS press release

Jan 15 OIE report

Jan 17 IBAH statement

Jan 18 IBAH situation update

Jan 19 CDC statement on H7N8

Jan 15 CIDRAP News story "High-path H7N8 outbreak reported at Indiana turkey farm"

http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2016/01/h7n8-detections-more-indiana-farms-suggest-mutation

niman · January 20, 2016

AI SITUATION UPDATE 1/19/16

State of Indiana Response to Avian Flu in Dubois County
1/19/16

New information is in bold italics

DEVELOPING SITUATION

On January 15, it was announced that confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza were found in Dubois County. State, local and federal agencies are working together on containment and depopulation operations. On January 16, nine additional avian influenza detections were announced, with the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirming on January 17 that eight flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza, with additional testing ongoing for the ninth.

A 10 kilometer control area has been established, primarily in Dubois County. An extension of an extra 10-kilomenter "surveillance zone," beyond the 10-km control zone, has been put in place as a precaution. The surveillance zone includes parts of Crawford, Daviess, Martin and Orange counties. All infected sites are in Dubois County.

There were no new positive tests overnight, but aggressive testing continues inside the 10-km control area. In the last 24 hours, 114 commercial farms have tested negative for influenza; 62 in the control area and 52 in the added surveillance zone.

Birds have been humanely euthanized on seven premises, with another three premises currently underway. The depopulated turkeys will be composted in the buildings in which they euthanized. The composting process takes about three weeks, after which time, the compost can be used agriculturally because it will not contain the virus.

An additional 155,000 hens (chickens) that are NOT infected with H7N8 have been depopulated and disposed of in a landfill. The building shares a vehicular traffic zone with the original site. No chickens are infected.

State and federal teams have visited 1,248 residences in a 10-kilometer radius control zone around the original site to search for small, backyard flocks of birds for precautionary monitoring and testing. A total of 46 backyard flocks have been found, and sampling is in progress.

Several mental health treatment options available to those affected:

Phone hotline offered by Southern Hills Counseling Center in Jasper, at 812-482-3020. If the call is made after hours, the caller should press 0.
A 24-hour phone hotline through Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center, at 812-827-6222.
Daily group sessions are available at the command post from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the staging area from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be provided as long as needed.

STATE RESPONSE

A total of 182 state, federal and local responders are working in Dubois county on surveillance and response efforts.

A Unified Incident Command Post (UCP) has been established in Jasper, Indiana. The post is staffed by a state Incident Management Team, along with federal and local partners.

State Agencies supporting activities in the UCP: The State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana State Police and mental health services teams from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Other organizations supporting activities in the UCP: United States Department of Agriculture, Indiana University, Dubois County Emergency Management Agency and Dubois County Health Department and the Indiana Civil Air Patrol.

State Emergency Operations Center: Under the leadership of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), the Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at Level III and will remain activated 24 hours a day to monitor conditions and provide resource support to local county emergency agencies.

State Agencies supporting activities in the EOC: State Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Correction.

Other organizations supporting activities in the EOC: Purdue Extension

FEDERAL RESPONSE

The United States Department of Agriculture has approximately 50 representatives, along with private contractors, in Dubois County assisting with state and local efforts. A National Incident Management Team will be arriving in Indiana this weekend to help coordinate efforts.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this virus. Human infection from an H7 virus is uncommon, but can cause some conjunctivitis and/or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for illness.

Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

http://www.in.gov/boah/2749.htm

Admin · January 20, 2016

State of Indiana Response to Avian Flu in Dubois County

1/20/16

New information is in bold italics

DEVELOPING SITUATION

On January 15, it was announced that confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza were found in Dubois County. State, local and federal agencies are working together on containment and depopulation operations. On January 16, nine additional avian influenza detections were announced, with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirming on January 17 that eight flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza. More information on the ninth positive could not be confirmed through the original testing, and more in-depth testing is being conducted at the USDA National Services Laboratory.

A 10 kilometer control area has been established, primarily in Dubois County. An extension of an extra 10-kilomenter “surveillance zone,” beyond the 10-km control zone, has been put in place as a precaution. The surveillance zone includes parts of Crawford, Daviess, Martin and Orange counties. All infected sites are in Dubois County.

There were no new positive tests overnight, but aggressive testing continues inside the 10-km control area and additional 10-km surveillance zone. In the last 24 hours, 114 commercial farms have tested negative for influenza; 62 in the control area and 52 in the added surveillance zone. All commercial poultry farms located in the control area and the surveillance zone have completed at least one round of negative tests.

Birds have been humanely depopulated on nine premises, the remaining site is currently underway and nearing completion. Disposal processes have begun on all depopulated sites. Turkeys are being composted in the buildings in which they were euthanized. The composting process takes about three weeks, after which time, the compost can be used agriculturally because it will not contain the virus.

An additional 156,000 hens (chickens) that are NOT infected with H7N8 have been depopulated and disposed of in a landfill. The facility is considered a “dangerous contact” to an infected turkey flock. The laying facility is located very close to an infected barn and shares a vehicular traffic zone with the original site, putting the birds at high risk of contracting the virus. No chickens are infected.

State and federal teams have visited 1,599 residences in a 10-kilometer radius control area around the original site to search for small, backyard flocks of birds for precautionary monitoring and testing. A total of 67 backyard flocks have been found, and sampling of these flocks continues.

Several mental health treatment options available to those affected:

- Phone hotline offered by Southern Hills Counseling Center in Jasper, at 812-482-3020. If the call is made after hours, the caller should press 0.

- A 24-hour phone hotline through Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center, at 812-827-6222.

- Daily group sessions are available at the command post from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the staging area from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be provided as long as needed.

RESPONSE

A total of 398 state, federal and local responders are working in Dubois County on surveillance and response efforts. Thirty offenders and five Department of Correction staff members are participating in the response.

STATE RESPONSE

A Unified Incident Command Post (UCP) has been established in Jasper, Indiana. The post is staffed by a state Incident Management Team, along with federal and local partners.

State Agencies supporting activities in the UCP: The State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Correction, Integrated Public Safety Commission,

Indiana State Police and mental health services teams from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Other organizations supporting activities in the UCP: United States Department of Agriculture, Indiana University, Vincennes University Jasper Campus, Dubois County Emergency Management Agency, Dubois County Health Department, the Indiana Civil Air Patrol, Dubois Water Utility, City of Jasper, Dubois County Highway Department, and all Dubois County fire departments.

State Emergency Operations Center: Under the leadership of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), the Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at Level III and will remain activated 24 hours a day to monitor conditions and provide resource support to local county emergency agencies.

State Agencies supporting activities in the EOC: State Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Correction.

Other organizations supporting activities in the EOC: Purdue Extension

FEDERAL RESPONSE

The United States Department of Agriculture has approximately 80 representatives, along with private contractors, in Dubois County assisting with state and local efforts. A National Incident Management Team is in place, with additional staff continuing to arrive in Indiana to help coordinate efforts.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this virus. Human infection from an H7 virus is uncommon, but can cause some conjunctivitis and/or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for illness.

Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

###

FOLLOWING CONTACT INFORMATION NOT FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE:

For Media Only: Indiana Joint Information Center (JIC) 317.238.1784, [email protected]

Admin · January 20, 2016

State of Indiana Response to Avian Flu in Dubois County

1/20/16

New information is in bold italics

Second update is highlighted below

DEVELOPING SITUATION

On January 15, it was announced that confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza were found in Dubois County. State, local and federal agencies are working together on containment and depopulation operations. On January 16, nine additional avian influenza detections were announced, with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirming on January 17 that eight flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza. More information on the ninth positive could not be confirmed through the original testing, and more in-depth testing is being conducted at the USDA National Services Laboratory.

A 10 kilometer control area has been established, primarily in Dubois County. An extension of an extra 10-kilomenter “surveillance zone,” beyond the 10-km control zone, has been put in place as a precaution. The surveillance zone includes parts of Crawford, Daviess, Martin and Orange counties. All infected sites are in Dubois County.

There were no new positive tests overnight, but aggressive testing continues inside the 10-km control area and additional 10-km surveillance zone. In the last 24 hours, 114 commercial farms have tested negative for influenza; 62 in the control area and 52 in the added surveillance zone. All commercial poultry farms located in the control area and the surveillance zone have completed at least one round of negative tests.

Birds have been humanely depopulated on all ten premises. Disposal processes have begun on all depopulated sites. Turkeys are being composted in the buildings in which they were euthanized. The composting process takes about three weeks, after which time, the compost can be used agriculturally because it will not contain the virus.

An additional 156,000 hens (chickens) that are NOT infected with H7N8 have been depopulated and disposed of in a landfill. The facility is considered a “dangerous contact” to an infected turkey flock. The laying facility is located very close to an infected barn and shares a vehicular traffic zone with the original site, putting the birds at high risk of contracting the virus. No chickens are infected.

State and federal teams have visited 1,599 residences in a 10-kilometer radius control area around the original site to search for small, backyard flocks of birds for precautionary monitoring and testing. A total of 67 backyard flocks have been found, and sampling of these flocks continues.

Several mental health treatment options available to those affected:

- Phone hotline offered by Southern Hills Counseling Center in Jasper, at 812-482-3020. If the call is made after hours, the caller should press 0.

- A 24-hour phone hotline through Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center, at 812-827-6222.

- Daily group sessions are available at the command post from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the staging area from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be provided as long as needed.

RESPONSE

A total of 398 state, federal and local responders are working in Dubois County on surveillance and response efforts. Thirty offenders and five Department of Correction staff members are participating in the response.

STATE RESPONSE

A Unified Incident Command Post (UCP) has been established in Jasper, Indiana. The post is staffed by a state Incident Management Team, along with federal and local partners.

State Agencies supporting activities in the UCP: The State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Correction, Integrated Public Safety Commission,

Indiana State Police and mental health services teams from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Other organizations supporting activities in the UCP: United States Department of Agriculture, Indiana University, Vincennes University Jasper Campus, Dubois County Emergency Management Agency, Dubois County Health Department, the Indiana Civil Air Patrol, Dubois Water Utility, City of Jasper, Dubois County Highway Department, and all Dubois County fire departments.

State Emergency Operations Center: Under the leadership of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), the Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at Level III and will remain activated 24 hours a day to monitor conditions and provide resource support to local county emergency agencies.

State Agencies supporting activities in the EOC: State Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Correction.

Other organizations supporting activities in the EOC: Purdue Extension

FEDERAL RESPONSE

The United States Department of Agriculture has approximately 80 representatives, along with private contractors, in Dubois County assisting with state and local efforts. A National Incident Management Team is in place, with additional staff continuing to arrive in Indiana to help coordinate efforts.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this virus. Human infection from an H7 virus is uncommon, but can cause some conjunctivitis and/or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for illness.

Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

niman · January 20, 2016

Infected Counties 2016

County & Flock #	Date Confirmed Positive	Number of Poultry	Type of Operation	Status	Type
Dubois 1	Jan. 14, 2016	62,213	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	H7N8
Dubois 2	Jan. 16, 2016	37,798	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 3	Jan. 16, 2016	28,751	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 4	Jan. 16, 2016	12,000	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 5	Jan. 16, 2016	22,225	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 5.2	Dangerous Contact Not Infected**	156,000	Commercial Layers	Depopulated	Negative
Dubois 6	Jan. 16, 2016	23,500	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	H7 Suspect
Dubois 7	Jan. 16, 2016	11,705	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 8	Jan. 16, 2016	36,695	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 9	Jan. 16, 2016	16,951	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8
Dubois 10	Jan. 16, 2016	5,325	Commercial Turkey	Depopulated	LPAI H7N8

UPDATED: Jan. 20, 2016 at 5:39 p.m.
**This negative flock is depopulated because of its proximity to infected turkeys.

Current Statewide Situation
Total number of affected premises = 10
Total number of affected counties = 1

Premises by County/Number of flocks
Dubois : 10

Total number of birds affected in Indiana
Commercial Turkey: 257,163

Commercial Chickens (Layers): 156,000

_________________
Total: 413,163

Edited January 20, 2016 by niman

Admin · January 22, 2016

State of Indiana Response to Avian Flu in Dubois County

1/21/16

New information is in bold italics.

DEVELOPING SITUATION

On January 15, it was announced that confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza were found in Dubois County. State, local and federal agencies are working together on containment and depopulation operations. On January 16, nine additional avian influenza detections were announced, with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirming on January 17 that eight flocks have been confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza. More information on the ninth positive could not be confirmed through the original testing, and more in-depth testing is being conducted at the USDA National Services Laboratory.

A 10 kilometer control area has been established, primarily in Dubois County. An extension of an extra 10-kilomenter “surveillance zone,” beyond the 10-km control zone, has been put in place as a precaution. The surveillance zone includes parts of Crawford, Daviess, Martin and Orange counties. All infected sites are in Dubois County.

There were no new positive tests overnight, but aggressive testing continues inside the 10-km control area and additional 10-km surveillance zone. All commercial poultry farms located in the control area and the surveillance zone have completed at least one round of negative tests, and will begin a planned second round of tests in the next 24 hours. Testing will continue for several more weeks within the control and surveillance zone to ensure that no H7N8 remains in the area.

Birds have been humanely depopulated on all ten premises. Disposal processes have begun on all depopulated sites. Turkeys are being composted in the buildings in which they were euthanized. The composting process takes about three weeks, after which time, the compost can be used agriculturally because it will not contain the virus.

An additional 156,000 hens (chickens) that were NOT infected with H7N8 have been depopulated and disposed of in a landfill. The facility was considered a “dangerous contact” to an infected turkey flock. The laying facility is located very close to an infected barn and shares a vehicular traffic zone with the original site, putting the birds at high risk of contracting the virus. No chickens are infected.

State and federal teams have visited 1,788 residences in a 10-kilometer radius control area around the original site to search for small, backyard flocks of birds for precautionary monitoring and testing. A total of 81 backyard flocks have been found, and sampling of these flocks continues. All 44 small flock samples tested so far have been negative.

Several mental health treatment options available to those affected:

- Phone hotline offered by Southern Hills Counseling Center in Jasper, at 812-482-3020. If the call is made after hours, the caller should press 0.

- A 24-hour phone hotline through Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center, at 812-827-6222.

- Daily group sessions are available at the command post from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the staging area from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be provided as long as needed.

RESPONSE

A total of 516 state, federal and local responders are working in Dubois County on surveillance and response efforts.

STATE RESPONSE

A Unified Incident Command Post (UCP) has been established in Jasper, Indiana. The post is staffed by a state Incident Management Team, along with federal and local partners.

State Agencies supporting activities in the UCP: The State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Correction, Integrated Public Safety Commission,

Indiana State Police and mental health services teams from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Other organizations supporting activities in the UCP: United States Department of Agriculture, Indiana University, Vincennes University Jasper Campus, Indiana State Poultry Association, Dubois County Emergency Management Agency, Dubois County Health Department, the Indiana Civil Air Patrol, Dubois Water Utility, City of Jasper, Dubois County Highway Department, and all Dubois County fire departments.

State Emergency Operations Center: Under the leadership of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), the Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at Level III and will remain activated 24 hours a day to monitor conditions and provide resource support to local county emergency agencies.

Other organizations supporting activities: Purdue Extension

FEDERAL RESPONSE

The United States Department of Agriculture has approximately 80 representatives, along with private contractors, in Dubois County assisting with state and local efforts. A National Incident Management Team is in place, with additional staff continuing to arrive in Indiana to help coordinate efforts.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this virus. Human infection from an H7 virus is uncommon, but can cause some conjunctivitis and/or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for illness.

Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov/.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

Admin · January 22, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indiana State Veterinarian Optimistic,

While Reminding the Avian Flu Event is Not Over

More testing to be done in Dubois County

INDIANAPOLIS (22 Jan. 2016)--Although tests in the Dubois County avian influenza incident continue to prove negative, much more work must still be completed before this event can be considered over, according to Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh, DVM.

“We are optimistic with each day that yields more negative flock tests,” said Dr. Marsh. “But we are mindful that the situation could change, and that continued testing and surveillance are the vitally important next steps that will be ongoing for a few weeks.”

Weekly testing and monitoring of commercial poultry farms in the 10-kilometer control area will continue for several weeks as Indiana moves through the process to be declared avian flu-free. Indiana established an additional 10-kilometer surveillance zone with aggressive testing requirements to assure the industry and partners the disease is not present. Birds and eggs may be moved into and out of the control area only after negative testing.

In addition, state and federal teams have visited 1,935 residences in the 10 km control area to identify small/backyard flocks for testing. Tests of those 96 identified flocks, which are nearly complete, have all proven negative. After initial testing, these flocks will be retested in 14 days.

“The State Board of Animal Health continues our resolve to eliminate this virus wherever it is found,” Dr. Marsh said. “We know this virus is unpredictable, and it can pop-up again. So reporting bird illness and maintaining high biosecurity is vital to protecting Indiana poultry.”

Depopulation of the affected farms concluded Wednesday evening, Jan. 20. Disposal of the turkeys, via indoor composting, will be followed by thorough cleaning and disinfection of all barns on the 10 infected sites.

“The cooperation and diligence of the affected farmers have been vital to this response, and we encourage all Hoosiers to stay the course as this work continues,” added Marsh. “We still have a lot of work to do.”

Clinical signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)
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.

Hoosier poultry owners who notice illness in their birds should report them to the Healthy Birds Hotline: 1-866-536-7593.

Hoosiers can also report dead wild birds (five or more) to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at 812-334-1137.

Although there have been no reported human cases of the H7N8 strain, the Dubois County Health Department continues to monitor those exposed for signs of illness.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat.

About Indiana Poultry:

Dubois County is Indiana's largest turkey-producing county, growing 1.4 million birds annually. The state ranks fourth in the nation in turkey production. As a major supplier of eggs, ducks and chickens, too, Indiana's poultry industry generates $2.4 billion and employs 14,000 Hoosiers.

UPDATES and INFORMATION:

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza response activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm. Users may subscribe to email updates on a link at that page.

Admin · January 22, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 22, 2016

Local Responders Turn Out in Force for Behind-the-Scenes Role to Fight Bird Flu

Public safety professionals in Dubois County, Ind., have played a behind-the-scenes but important role in the response to avian flu detected recently in commercial turkey flocks.

“They haven’t been out front due to the type of response, but their participation and expertise has been paramount,” said Dr. Brett Marsh of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. “We could not have accomplished what we have without local team partners.”

The firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and health officials who call Dubois County home have braved long hours, severe cold and stressful conditions to keep residents safe and to help stop the flu from spreading to other bird flocks. They are among 518 professionals from local, state and federal agencies, and from private organizations, joining forces to combat the avian flu challenge on the front lines in the southwestern Indiana county.

The following local organizations have assisted in the incident response:

· The Dubois County Health Department has assisted by interviewing and monitoring the responders, farm personnel and residents who have been involved in the incident.

· The Dubois County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has continuously provided personnel and resources for the response efforts and has been assisted by emergency management staff from the following EMAs: the Knox County EMA, Daviess County EMA, Martin County EMA, Gibson County EMA, Pike County EMA, Crawford County EMA, Posey County EMA, Vanderburgh County EMA, Warrick County EMA, Spencer County EMA, and Perry County EMA.

· Memorial Hospital and Healthcare has provided equipment and nursing staff to assist in specimen collection. The Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health Service and the Southern Hills Counseling Center are providing counseling and mental health services for individuals in the community and those involved in the incident.

· The City of Jasper has provided equipment, and the Jasper Street Department has helped plow snow from parking lots offered by the Vincennes University Jasper campus to provide parking for incident personnel. The Dubois County Highway Department has salted roadways and laid rock to make incident areas more accessible for responders. The Dubois County Commissioners and all members of the Dubois County Council have regularly visited the Incident Command Post and offered county assistance. The Dubois County Sheriff’s Departmenthas made all personnel available if needed for the incident. The Dubois Water Utility and Patoka Regional Water have supplied water for depopulation efforts.

· The following fire departments have supplied tankers and personnel for water transport to assist in depopulation efforts: Birdseye Fire Department, Celestine Fire Department, Dubois Fire Department, Ferdinand Fire Department, Haysville Fire Department, Holland Fire Department, Huntingburg Fire Department, Ireland Fire Department, Jasper Fire Department, St. Anthony Fire Department, St. Henry Fire Department and the Schnellville Fire Department.

· The American Red Cross has assisted by providing food and support to responders.

· The Dubois County 4-H Fairgrounds manager Bob Gress has allowed the fairgrounds to be used as a staging area for incident response.

John Erickson, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Director of Public Information, said, “Everyone plays a role. Local responders have been low key and effective. This enterprise wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without the local teams.”

A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – specifically, a virus known as H7N8 – was detected in a Dubois County commercial turkey flock on Jan. 15. A “low pathogenic” form of the virus, which can mutate into the more severe form found on the original site, was detected at an additional nine sites in the county.

Birds at the 10 sites were humanely euthanized to help stop the virus from spreading.

Dubois is Indiana’s largest turkey-producing county, producing 1.4 million birds annually. Indiana ranks fourth in the nation in turkey production. As a major supplier of eggs, ducks and chickens, in addition to turkeys, Indiana’s poultry industry generates $2.4 billion and employs 14,000 Hoosiers.

New Dubois H7 Confirmed Farms Are Low Path

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For additional information, contact:

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About the Indiana State Board of Animal Health

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), also known as "the Office of the State Veterinarian", has primary mission areas of: animal health, food safety (Dairy, Meat and Poultry Inspection), disaster preparedness and animal care.

For more information,visit www.boah.in.gov.

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