Avian Flu Diary: APHIS Statement: HPAI H5N2 Confirmed In Wyoming Goose

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Although the story has been meandering through the local press for a number of hours (see Crofsblog US: H5N2 avian influenza discovered in Wyoming), we now have an official statement from the USDA’s APHIS website:

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza in Wild Bird in Wyoming

Last Modified: Mar 26, 2015

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CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2015 -- The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild Canada goose in Laramie County, Wyoming. This is the first finding of the Eurasian lineage avian influenza viruses in wild birds in the Central flyway. CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry, to be low. No human infections with the virus have been detected at this time.

The sample, taken from a sick bird, was tested by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. 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.

USDA will be informing the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as well as international trading partners of this finding. USDA also continues to communicate with trading partners to encourage adherence to OIE standards and minimize trade impacts. OIE trade guidelines call on countries to base trade restrictions on sound science and, whenever possible, limit restrictions to those animals and animal products within a defined region that pose a risk of spreading disease of concern.

These virus strains can travel in wild birds without them appearing sick. People should avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds.

All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue to practice good biosecurity, 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.

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Two days ago, in CDC: HPAI H5 Viruses In The United States, we looked at the CDC’s advice regarding these avian viruses.

While the USDA offers the following biosecurity advice for those who may come in contact with wild birds:

Bird Enthusiasts:

Do not pick up deceased or obviously sick birds. Contact your State, tribal, or Federal natural resources agency if you find sick or dead birds.

Wear rubber gloves when cleaning your bird feeders.

Wash hands with soap and water immediately after cleaning feeders.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning bird feeders.

Hunters:

Follow routine precautions when handling wild birds.

Do not handle or consume game animals that are obviously sick or found dead.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning game.

Wear rubber gloves when cleaning game.

Wash hands with soap and water, or alcohol wipes, immediately after handling game.

Wash tools and working surfaces with soap and water and then disinfect.

Keep uncooked game in a separate container, away from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.

Cook game meat thoroughly; poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165 degree Fahrenheit to kill disease organisms and parasites.

To report unusual signs in birds you have seen in the wild, call 1-866-4-USDA-WS. To learn more about how you can help, visit usda.gov/birdflu.