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Although we are currently enjoying a summer lull in outbreaks, the expectation is that in the weeks and months ahead we’ll see a return of HPAI avian flu to North America. While no one knows just how bad it will be, if it is anything like last spring, it could have a devastating effect on poultry production across the nation.
At least two HPAI viruses are expected this fall – H5N2 and H5N8 – although we may also see a return of the (North American version) of H5N1, and the arrival new reassortants or subtypes cannot be ruled out.
These viruses turned up for the first time in North American wild birds a little less than a year ago, presumably carried in by migratory birds from Asia. The versions we’ve seen so far – unlike their Asian cousins – have not shown the ability to infect humans.
Hopefully that bit of luck will continue, but the CDC is making contingency plans (see EID Journal: Infection Risk To Those Exposed To HPAI H5 Viruses – United States) in case it doesn’t.
These viruses are believed likely now endemic in North American waterfowl, and are expected to spread again across the nation during their fall migration from their summer breeding areas. Unlike last spring, when all of the activity was confined to the Pacific, Central and Mississippi flyways, the entire nation is on alert.
Credit FWS.GOV
In many ways, the USDA, APHIS, and the entire poultry industry could be said to be on a war footing. They’ve spent the summer gearing up, developing rules of engagement, and bulking up their defenses – all the while hoping the battle can somehow be averted.
Over the past couple of days we’ve looked at some of these updated battle plans (see APHIS: Fall 2015 HPAI Preparedness & Response Plan & Ventilator Shutdown As A Poultry Depopulation Method). Today, we are looking at even more guidance released under the FAD PReP banner.
FAD PReP stands for Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan, and while currently invoked for HPAI H5, it is designed to deal with a variety of imported animal diseases.
In addition to roughly a dozen new (or updated) guidance documents we also have the draft edition of the massive 212-page HPAI Response Plan: The Red Book. Admittedly, none of this is light summer reading, but for those who have a need (Veterinarians, Responders, Poultry Farmers, etc.) this webpage is a veritable treasure trove of (constantly updated) information.
FAD PReP Materials and References
Last Modified: Sep 18, 2015
HPAI Response & Policy Information: 2014-2015 Outbreak
HPAI Response Plan
- HPAI Response Plan: The Red Book (DRAFT August 2015)
Initial Response
- Stamping-Out & Depopulation Policy (Sept 18, 2015)
- Ventilation Shutdown Evidence & Policy (Sept 18, 2015)
- First HPAI Confirmation in a New State
- Appraisal and Indemnity Procedures (Sept 18, 2015)
Critical Response Activities
- Surveillance of Backyard Flocks Around Infected Premises (Sept 14, 2015)
- Surveillance Sampling for Commercial Premises in Control Area (Aug 21, 2015)
- HPAI Zones and Premises (Aug 19, 2015)
- Movement Control (Aug 19, 2015)
- Testing Requirements for Movement from the Control Area (Sept 14, 2015)
- Contact Premises (Aug 31, 2015)
- HPAI in the Live Bird Marketing System (Sept 15, 2015)
- Cleaning & Disinfection Basics: Virus Elimination (Sept 8, 2015)
Recovery and Restocking
- Control Area Release (Sept 18, 2015)
- Timeline, Eligibility, and Approval for Restocking (Aug 19, 2015)
- Post C&D Environmental Sampling Guide (Aug 19, 2015)
Health & Safety Information
- Quick Response Card
- PPE Recommendations for HPAI Responders (Sept 3, 2015)
For More Information on HPAI & Response
- General Resources and Information (Aug 19, 2015)
- H5/H7 Avian Influenza Case Definition (Aug 31, 2015)
- Use of the Antigen Capture Immunoassay (Sept 10, 2015)
Visualizing the 2014-2015 Outbreak
