CDC Website & USDA Statement On HPAI H5

HPAI H5 Detections In North America

# 9968

 

Earlier today the USDA, in conjunction with the CDC, held a 45 minute press conference on recent developments surrounding the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses across the western half of the country.

 

As this presser was well attended by the mainstream media, it has already received a lot of press coverage.  Sharon Sanders of FluTrackers live-tweeted the event, and her notes are available at this link.

 

While there were no huge revelations during today’s event, the information provided by USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford, CDC Medical Officer Dr. Alicia Fry and USDA Southeast Poultry Research Director David Swayne was impressively frank, thorough, and well presented.   

Where there were areas of uncertainty – such as the (likely low) potential risk to human health posed by these viruses, or whether and where the virus will spread in the fall – that uncertainty was acknowledged. Always a good sign in effective risk communications.

 

This afternoon USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford posted a summary on the USDA’s blog site, which you can access at:

 

What You Need to Know About the Current Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks

Posted by Dr. John Clifford, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer, on April 22, 2015 at 3:36 PM

 

Meanwhile the CDC has a website on H5 Viruses in the United States where the reader can access the latest information available:

 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 infections have been reported in U.S. domestic poultry (backyard and commercial flocks), captive wild birds, and wild birds. HPAI H5 detections began in December 2014 and have continued into March 2015.

No human infections with these viruses have been detected at this time, however similar viruses have infected people in other countries and caused serious illness and death in some cases. While the public health risk posed by these domestic HPAI outbreaks is considered low at this time, it is possible that human infections with these viruses may occur.

Most human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred after close and prolonged contact with infected birds or the excretions/secretions of infected birds (e.g., droppings, oral fluids). CDC has posted guidance for clinicians and public health professionals, and is working with state health departments and animal health colleagues to minimize public health risk.

• Guidance
• Updates and Publications
• Outbreaks of Avian Influenza in North America

• General information about avian influenza in birds
• General information about avian influenza in people

CDC Recommends

• As a general precaution, people should avoid wild birds and observe them only from a distance; avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear ill or have died; and avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds.
• People who have had contact with infected bird(s) should monitor their own health for possible symptoms (for example, conjunctivitis, or flu-like symptoms).
• People who have had contact with infected birds may also be given influenza antiviral drugs preventatively.
• Health care providers evaluating patients with possible HPAI H5 infection should notify their local or state health departments which in turn should notify CDC. CDC is providing case-by-case guidance at this time.
• There is no evidence that any human cases of avian influenza have ever been acquired by eating properly cooked poultry products.
• CDC will update the public as new information becomes available.

The HPAI Poultry Vaccine Dilemma

Poultry Vaccination - Photo Credit OIE

 

# 9967

 

Overnight Reuters (see U.S. could use vaccines being developed to fight bird flu in poultry) and the AP (see With bird flu spreading, USDA starts on potential vaccine) have issued reports that echo and update a story we saw from CIDRAP News several weeks ago (see USDA at work on poultry vaccine for H5N8, H5N2) – that the United States may need to reconsider its policy on the use of HPAI H5 poultry vaccines.

 

It should be quickly noted that any decision to use HPAI H5 vaccines in poultry is still months away, and their use would likely be limited, and targeted (as in ring vaccination around infected farms), rather than as a broad based open-ended vaccination plan. 

 

Throughout the United States, and indeed, most of the world, the preferred method of controlling H5 and H7 avian flu outbreaks in poultry has been immediate quarantine and the culling of infected or exposed birds. 

 

While vaccination may seem an easy solution to a vexing problem, the experience over the past 10 years hasn’t been entirely positive.

 

For some countries – mostly in Asia and the Middle East – where H5N1 has caused huge losses for a decade, poultry vaccines have long been an attractive option.  This, despite repeated warnings from the OIE that vaccination of poultry cannot be considered a long-term solution to combating  avian flu (see Does OIE recommend vaccination of animals to control the disease?). 

 

“Any decision to use vaccination must include an exit strategy, i.e. conditions to be met to stop vaccination”. – OIE on H7N9 Poultry Vaccines.

 

According to 2012’s Impact of vaccines and vaccination on global control of avian influenza by David Swayne, more than 113 billion poultry vaccine doses were used from 2002 to 2010. Five countries accounted for 99% of vaccine used: 1) China (90.9%), 2) Egypt (4.6%), 3) Indonesia (2.3%), 4) Vietnam (1.4%), and 5) Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (< 0.01%).

With the exception of Hong Kong, all of these countries remain firmly entrenched with H5 viruses after more than a decade of avian flu vaccine use, and none show any signs of looking for the recommended `exit’.

 

While it can be argued that these vaccines have saved millions of poultry from culling, have prevented financial ruin for farmers, and has lessened food instability in developing areas of the world, there has also been a downside. 

 

Poultry vaccines don’t always prevent disease – sometimes they only mask the symptoms of infection, and that can not only allow viruses to spread stealthily, it can also put human health at risk.

 

In 2009 Professor C.A. Nidom, of the Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Indonesia warned against relying on poultry vaccines to control Indonesia’s bird flu problem (see Indonesia: Debate Over Poultry Vaccination), while  Zhong Nanshan, a hero of the SARS outbreak and respiratory disease specialist in China, warned that vaccinated poultry can still become infected (and possibly transmit) the H5N1 virus.

 

Chinese expert issues new bird flu warning

www.chinaview.cn 2009-02-06 17:59:50

GUANGZHOU, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A leading Chinese expert on respiratory diseases has warned the public to be aware that poultry can be infected with the bird flu virus but show no symptoms.

"Special attention should be paid to such animals, including those that have been vaccinated," said Zhong Nanshan.

"The existing vaccines can only reduce the amount of virus, rather than totally inactivating it," he said.

(Continue . . . )

More recently, in 2012’s Egypt: A Paltry Poultry Vaccine, a study conducted by the Virology department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital  looked at the effectiveness of six commercially available H5 poultry vaccines deployed in Egypt, and found only one (based on a locally acquired H5N1 seed virus) actually appeared to offer protection. 

 

Over the past 6 months roughly 180 Egyptians have contracted H5N1 from contact with infected poultry, and we’ve seen  reports of large numbers of poultry outbreaks – even among previously vaccinated poultry (see Egypt H5N1: Poultry Losses Climbing, Prices Up 25%).

Poorly matched vaccines, often inconsistently or haphazardly applied, have increasingly been linked to driving vaccine-escape flu variants, and may be at least partially responsible for the sudden proliferation of new avian flu subtypes we’ve seen emerge over the past couple of years (H5N3, H5N5, H5N6, H5N8, H7N9, H10N8, etc. ).

 

Last November the EID Journal dispatch Subclinical Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Infection among Vaccinated Chickens, China  addressed these exact concerns (bolding mine):

 

HPAI mass vaccination played a crucial role in HPAI control in China. However, this study demonstrated multiple disadvantages of HPAI mass vaccination, which had been suspected (13,14). For example, this study showed that H5N1 subtype HPAI virus has evolved into multiple H5N2 genotypes, which are all likely vaccine-escape variants, suggesting that this virus can easily evolve into vaccine-escape variants.

This observation suggests that HPAI mass vaccination, which is highly effective in the beginning of an outbreak, may lose its effectiveness with time unless the vaccine strains are updated. Moreover, this study showed that vaccinated chicken flocks can be infected with vaccine-escape variants without signs of illness.

 

Last month, in Recombinant H5N2 Avian Influenza Virus Strains In Vaccinated Chickens, which stated in its cautionary discussion (bolding mine):

 

In this study, three H5N2 influenza virus strains isolated from chickens were identified as novel reassortants with a highly pathogenic viral genotype. Surprisingly, the affected birds had been vaccinated with killed influenza vaccines but still showed characteristic clinical symptoms of avian influenza and eventually died.

These results are in agreement with previous work indicating that AIVs can continue genetic evolution under vaccination pressure [20]. Moreover, this study highlights the importance and necessity of periodic reformulation of the vaccine strain according to the strains circulating in the field in countries where vaccines are applied to control avian influenza.

 

One can’t know how things would have played out in Egypt or China had they not elected to rely so heavily on H5 avian flu vaccines, but there is enough evidence of a long-term downside to give one at least a little pause.  

 

The USDA has always focused on prevention and containment when it comes to H5 and H7 avian flu in this country, and it is pretty obvious they would rather not to have to go down the avian flu vaccine path if they can avoid it. 

 

One obvious economic downside is that vaccinated poultry may not be readily accepted by foreign markets, since it hinders testing for the virus.

 

But given the speed of H5’s spread this winter and its potential impact on the poultry industry, new strategies must at least be explored and considered, even those that have some potential downside to them.   

 

Given the less-than-sterling outcomes we’ve seen in China and Egypt with their poultry vaccination schemes - and the difficulty of `exiting’  once embarking down that vaccine road - the USDA will  have a lot they must consider before deciding on whether and what to recommend regarding the use of avian flu vaccines here in the United States.

 

Stay tuned.

USGS: Genetic Analysis Of North American Reassortant H5N1 Virus From Washington State

How viruses shuffle their genes (reassort)

# 9896

 

Last fall, when the recently emerged Asian H5N8 avian flu virus arrived in North America (presumably via migratory birds), it encountered a wide range of North American avian influenza viruses that circulate in native species.  As avian viruses are sometimes wont to do - they simultaneously inhabited a number of hosts - and through reassortment produced at least a couple of hybrid viruses.

 

The reassortment that has done the best so far has been HPAI H5N2, which has now spread to at least 13 states, and has been plaguing commercial turkey operations across the Midwest (see APHIS: H5N2 Confirmed In South Dakota, 4th Farm Hit In Minnesota).

 

In January, in OIE: New Reassortant HPAI H5N1 In North America, we learned that an HPAI H5N1 subtype had also been generated, which was discovered in an an American green-winged teal in Whatcom County, Washington.   Three weeks later a similar virus was detected in a backyard flock in British Columbia (see  OIE Notification On Canadian H5N1 Detection).

 

While sharing the same subtype identifier (H5N1) with  the infamous – and often deadly – Eurasian H5N1 virus, this was a new reassortant that carried some – but not all – of the Eurasian avian H5N1 genes, mixed with genetic contributions from North American (AM) avian viruses. 

 

In other words, a new version of H5N1.

 

The good news is, that unlike its Eurasian cousin, we’ve seen no evidence that this version of H5N1 is pathogenic to humans.  Human exposure has likely been limited and the virus continues to evolve, so the CDC has cautiously advised:

 

The appearance of newly detected avian influenza A H5 viruses in North America may increase the likelihood of human infection with these viruses in the United States. Because these newly identified avian influenza A H5 viruses are related to avian influenza A viruses associated with severe disease in humans (e.g., highly pathogenic Asian-lineage avian influenza A (H5N1) virus), they should be regarded as having the potential to cause severe disease in humans until shown otherwise

 

Yesterday the journal Genome Announcements published a genetic analysis of this first North American H5N1 reassortant, produced by the USDA and the USGS.   First a link, and some excerpts from the study, followed by a USGS press release, after which I’ll return with a little more:

 

Novel H5 Clade 2.3.4.4 Reassortant (H5N1) Virus from a Green-Winged Teal in Washington, USA

Mia Kim Torchetti^a, Mary Lea Killian^a, Robert J. Dusek^b, Janice C. Pedersen^a, Nichole Hines^a, Barbara Bodenstein^b, C. LeAnn White^b, Hon S. Ip^b

ABSTRACT

Eurasian (EA)-origin H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 avian influenza viruses were first detected in North America during December 2014. Subsequent reassortment with North American (AM) low-pathogenic wild-bird-origin avian influenza has generated at least two reassortants, including an EA/AM H5N1 from an apparently healthy wild green-winged teal, suggesting continued ongoing reassortment.

GENOME ANNOUNCEMENT

(EXCERPT)

This novel EA/AM H5N1 reassortant virus contains 4 EA H5N8 and 4 AM-origin RNA segments. The Eurasian polymerase basic 2 (PB2), hemagglutinin (HA), nucleoprotein (NP), and matrix (MA) genes have the closest similarities (99%) to those of the A/gyrfalcon/Washington/41088-6/2014 (H5N8) and A/crane/Kagoshima/KU1/2014 (H5N8) viruses from Japan. The hemagglutinin protein has a multibasic protease cleavage site sequence of PLRERRRKR/GLF that is characteristic of the HPAIV H5 clade 2.3.4 (5). The 4 AM low-pathogenic wild-bird-lineage segments have 99% similarities to the AM AIV segments of wild-bird origin, as follows: PB1, A/bufflehead/California/3118/2011 (H4N8); polymerase acidic (PA), A/American green-winged teal/Wisconsin/11OS3425/2011 (H12N5); neuraminidase (NA), A/blue-winged teal/Texas/AI12-909/2012 (H7N1); and nonstructural (NS), A/northern shoveler/California/HKWF392sm/2007 (H10N7).

Earlier in 2014, the EA-H5N8 HPAIV circulating in South Korea was found to have diverged into two groups (A and B) (6). The group A viruses have now been detected across multiple countries, with evidence of regional diversification (intercontinental group A, subgroups 1 to 3 [icA1-3; D. Lee, M. Torchetti, K. Winkler, H. Ip, C. Song, D. Swayne, unpublished data]). Two icA2 reassortant viruses (EA/AM H5N2 and EA/AM H5N1) have now been detected in Washington; however, no reassortants have been detected to date in any of the other icA subgroups.

The introduction of the icA2-H5 clade 2.3.4.4 virus initially into the Pacific Flyway in 2014 with subsequent detection of at least two reassortants with North American low-pathogenic AIV by early 2015 suggests the potential for further reassortment events as the icA2-H5 viruses continue to circulate among wild birds. Further work to monitor for such reassortments and an evaluation of these viruses are warranted. During the preparation of this paper, a nearly identical H5N1 virus was found in a backyard flock in Chilliwack, BC, Canada.

Nucleotide sequence accession numbers.The genome sequence of A/American green-winged teal/Washington/195750/2014 (H5N1) virus is deposited in GenBank under accession numbers KP739418 to KP739425.

 

 

Circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu in North American Birds

Viral Changes Make Current Situation More Complex
Released: 4/2/2015 11:45:00 AM

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses of Eurasian origin continue to circulate and evolve in North American wild birds.

The U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Department of Agriculture published the genetic analysis of a mixed-origin HPAI H5N1 avian flu virus in the journal Genome Announcements today. This novel virus was discovered in a green-winged teal in Washington State that was sampled at the end of 2014. It is a mixed-origin virus containing genes from the Eurasian HPAI H5N8 and genes from North American low pathogenic avian influenza from wild birds. This H5N1 virus is different from the well-known Asian H5N1 HPAI virus that emerged in 1996.

This new publication follows a recent article describing the introduction of Eurasian HPAI H5N8 into North America at the end of 2014 and the detection of a different mixed-origin virus (HPAI H5N2) in wild birds. In March 2015, the HPAI H5N2 virus was detected in commercial turkey flocks in Minnesota, Missouri and Arkansas, in a backyard flock of mixed poultry in Kansas and in a wild bird in Wyoming.

“Such findings are not unexpected and might continue as the Eurasian lineage H5 circulates in the United States,” said co-author Mia Kim Torchetti, a USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service scientist.

<SNIP>

Each mixed-origin virus might carry different risks and surveillance of circulating HPAI viruses is ongoing. The USGS and USDA scientists continue to monitor Eurasian H5 lineage viruses and provide stakeholders with timely information for management purposes.

 

The most recent Wild Bird Findings confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (dated 3/27/2015) list 50 detections of HPAI H5 viruses across a dozen western states, and this tally continues to grow. 

 

It is likely that these viruses are already present in more states than surveillance has revealed, and that their geographic range will continue to expand. AS that happens they are likely to encounter additional native avian flu subtypes, and new opportunities for reassortment may occur. 

 

For now, all of this is primarily a concern for the nation’s poultry farmers - but novel influenza viruses are spectacularly unpredictable - and so we watch these developments with considerable interest.

USDA Avian Flu Biosecurity Videos

 

# 9877

 

Although Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have had to deal with highly pathogenic avian H5 viruses for the better part of a decade, until very recently North America’s poultry industry and wild bird population have been spared.  All that changed last December when a dozen poultry farms in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley reported an outbreak of HPAI H5, which in very short order was reported in Washington, Oregon, and California.

 

Like falling dominos, more states began to report detections of HPAI H5 (H5N1, H5N2, H5N8) in wild birds, and backyard and commercial poultry operations. As of this week 11 states have now reported the virus, although their actual spread is likely to be greater.

 

Since November we’ve seen H5N8 and/or H5N2/H5N1 turn in both the Pacific and Mississippi Americas Flyways, and at this point no one would be terribly surprised to see these viruses turn up further east along the Atlantic Americas flyway.

Credit FAO

 

While migratory flyways are predominately north-south corridors, their overlapping allows for a lateral (east-west) movement of avian viruses as well – often via shared nesting areas and ponds – something we’ve looked at recently in The North Atlantic Flyway Revisited & FAO On The Potential Threat Of HPAI Spread Via Migratory Birds.

 

Since we’ve yet to see any human infections from these reassortant H5 viruses, the immediate health risk to the public is considered very low. But as these new subtypes are related to viruses which have caused serious human infections (H5N1, H5N6) in other countries, they are being viewed cautiously by the CDC (see CDC: HPAI H5 Viruses In The United States)

 

The more immediate concerns revolve around protecting commercial and backyard poultry operations from infection, as these viruses are not only devastating to flocks in their current incarnation, they have the potential to evolve or reassort with other avian viruses with unpredictable results.

While commercial poultry operations have the most to lose, they are probably the best prepared to prevent infection.

 

In recent years we’ve seen a resurgence in the raising of backyard flocks in this country, and they are particularly vulnerable to infection. Late yesterday afternoon the USDA posted a blog on small flock biosecurity measures, along with links to several videos.

 

Bird Flu Is a Reminder For Back Yard Poultry Owners to Protect Their Birds By Practicing Good Biosecurity

Posted by Dr. Chrislyn Wood Nicholson, Poultry Health Specialist, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, on March 27, 2015 at 5:00 PM

Dr. Wood on set with Healthy Harry taping new biosecurity videos.

Since December 2014, there have been several highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) confirmations in migratory wild birds, back yard flocks, captive wild birds and commercial poultry in several states along the Pacific, Mississippi and Central Flyways.  These HPAI virus strains can travel in wild birds without them appearing sick.  In fact, if back yard poultry flocks are exposed to these particular HPAI virus strains, they are highly contagious and cause bird death.  We are expecting that there will be more HPAI confirmations this spring as the bird migrations continue, so if you own or handle poultry, now is a great time to check your biosecurity practices.  You should follow good biosecurity at all times to help protect the birds’ health.  Your actions can make a difference!  Learn more here: http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov

As part of good biosecurity, you should prevent contact between your birds and wild birds, and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through the state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number: 1-866-536-7593.  You also 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.   You are the best protection your birds have!  Learn more here:  http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov

What is biosecurity?  Biosecurity means taking some simple steps to keep your birds away from germs AND germs away from your birds.   If you follow good biosecurity, you will help ensure your birds remain healthy.

For backyard bird owners, there are 6 simple steps to biosecurity:

• Keep your distance – Isolate your birds from visitors and other birds.
• Keep it clean – Prevent germs from spreading by cleaning shoes, tools and equipment.
• Don’t haul disease home – Also clean vehicles and cages.
• Don’t borrow disease from your neighbor – Avoid sharing tools and equipment with neighbors.
• Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases – Watch for early signs to prevent the spread of disease
• Report sick birds – Report unusual signs of disease or unexpected deaths.

Commercial producers should follow biosecurity recommendations from their industry associations and the National Poultry Improvement Plan.

Want to learn more about practicing good biosecurity while being entertained?  Need to share information with 4H, FFA or school groups?  Here are links to a series of videos about biosecurity on YouTube:

Healthy Flocks Rock

Keep It Clean

Know Your Birds

Simple Steps to Keep Your Backyard Poultry Healthy

These videos will help you see biosecurity in action so you can feel confident you are taking the right steps to protect your backyard birds.

Updating The New York H5N? Report

Photo Credit – FAO

 

# 6856

 

Two days ago in (Presumably) LPAI H5N1 Found In New York, I blogged on a report from National Chicken Council’s Washington Report indicating that (presumably Low Pathogenic) H5N1 avian influenza had been detected at a New York live bird market, resulting in a halt of poultry exports to Japan & Taiwan.

 

Since then, a lot of people have been trying to track down details on this story, with very little success.

 

At least until this afternoon, when Sharon Sanders of FluTrackers managed to get responses from two members of the National Chicken Council who informed her that:

 

The USDA notified them of a laboratory confirmed low pathogenic H5N1 trace picked up from routine surveillance from a live market in one of the boroughs of New York City. This occurrence was approximately 2 weeks ago and they characterized this market as some type of neighborhood venue that sells non-commercially grown poultry i.e. not from a large commercial grower.

 

They also further clarified that the test came back positive for H5, but the N1 component was not detected.

 

Shortly after 5pm today, the USDA’s APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) forwarded the following information to Flutrackers and ProMed Mail  (along with a number of other recipients).

 

On behalf of Veterinary Services, APHIS, US Dept of Agriculture, I’d like to provide the following additional information on the 12Jan13 posting “PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (H5N1:low path) - USA: (NY) poultry, RFI”:

· A Muscovy duck from a Brooklyn, NY Live Bird Market tested positive by rRT-PCR specific for the hemagglutinin H5 gene and negative for the neuraminidase N1 gene of avian influenza virus.

· Virus isolation is pending and we do not have an N-type at this time.

· The amino acid sequencing at the hemagglutinin protein cleavage site is compatible with North American low pathogenic avian influenza.

·  The market underwent an immediate sell down, closure and cleaning and disinfection (C&D). The C&D was completed on 1/11/13.

· Tracing and testing of the source flocks is underway.

 

 

To read how this whole detective story has unfolded over the past 48 hours, I would invite you to read this thread on FluTrackers. 

Kudos to the entire FluTrackers Team for staying on top of this story.

 

As I wrote on Saturday, the discovery of LPAI H5N1 in the United States is neither terribly unusual, nor is it a public health concern.  But as LPAI viruses can be progenitors of more virulent HPAI strains, steps will have to be taken to contain and eradicate this virus.

Safety Issues After The Storm Passes

 

 

 

Photo Credit NOAA 

# 5883

 

 

With hurricane conditions forecast along a major stretch of the Atlantic coast this weekend, people need to be aware that many of the dangers from a hurricane come after the storm has passed.

 

Downed electrical lines, power outages, dangerous debris, flood waters, fallen limbs, weakened and compromised structures, and even displaced wildlife can pose threats in the days and weeks following the storm.

 

A review, therefore, of some of those threats and how to avoid them:

 

First, many people may find themselves without electrical power for hours, or possibly even days. In extreme cases, as we saw with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, power may be out much longer.

 

And when that happens some of the food that people have in their homes can go bad quickly. Particularly during the heat of summer.

 

The USDA maintains a Food Safety and Inspection website with a great deal of consumer information about how to protect your food supplies during an emergency, and how to tell when to discard food that may no longer be safe to consume.

 

Yesterday they posted the following news release. Follow the link to read it in its entirety:

 

USDA Offers Food Safety Tips In Advance of Hurricane Irene

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 24, 2011 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing recommendations for residents in states that might be affected by Hurricane Irene to minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses in the event of power outages, flooding, and other problems that could be associated with the storm.

 

"Hurricanes not only pose dangers to people's physical safety, but the resulting power outages and other effects of hurricanes also can affect the safety of the food people may rely upon after hurricanes strike," said FSIS Administrator Al Almanza. "The American public should be aware of things they can do to protect the safety of their food before and after natural events."

(Continue . . . )

 

Next stop, an audio podcast (5 minutes) and some short food safety videos.

 

Surviving a Power Outage: Don't Be in the Dark When it Comes to Food Safety (Jun 2, 2010; 4:45) | Script
FSIS Food Safety staff discusses tips on how to be food safe during a power outage.

 

USDA TV Feature Stories

Food Safety Advice for Power Loss (2:10) | Spanish (3:02)

USDA Food Safety Advice after Power Loss (1:26)

 

Next we’ve this extensive guide on food safety during and after severe storms and Hurricanes.

 

A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes

Note: This text-only version of the Guide has been optimized for accessibility. The illustrated PDF version (2.1MB) is recommended for printing.

• Power Outages
• Safety of Food in Containers Exposed to Flood Waters
• Removing Odors from Refrigerators & Freezers
• Refrigerator Foods
• Frozen Food
• Food Safety Contacts for Areas Affected by Severe Storms and Hurricanes

 

 

Another concern dealing with power outages is the use of generators, and improvised cooking or heating , which if done improperly can result in (preventable) Carbon Monoxide poisonings.

 

In Carbon Monoxide: A Stealthy Killer I wrote in depth on the issue, but this brief video from the CDC will provide you with an overview.

 

Chainsaw accidents also figure prominently after many weather-related disasters. The CDC maintains a chainsaw safety webpage: 

 

Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster

Be aware of the risk of chain saw injury during tree removal

Each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in hospital emergency departments for injuries from using chain saws. The potential risk of injury increases after hurricanes and other natural disasters, when chain saws are widely used to remove fallen or partially fallen trees and tree branches.

 

 

And finally, from the Boston office of the National Weather Service, these post-hurricane safety tips.

 

Post Hurricane Safety

Though the hurricane has passed, many dangers still exist. You must be alert at all times and follow the directions from your local officials.

For Those Who Have Evacuated

• Do not return to your home until you have been directed to do so.
• Upon returning, do not turn on any electric or gas service until the safety of these utilities has been confirmed.
• Be sure to check all electronic equipment for water damage before use. If you are uncertain, throw the item away. It is better to be safe than to risk electrocution.
• Try to be patient. Emergency officials will be working hard to return you to your home as quickly, and more importantly safely, as possible.

Tips For Everyone To Follow

• If there has been structural damage to your home, or to trees in your yard, be very careful. Ask for assistance from Fire and Rescue officials before you risk getting injured from fallen debris.
• Test drinking water for potability. Heed any boil water orders from local officials. Wells should be pumped out, and the water tested, before drinking.
• Get bottled water. Have enough on hand to supply 1 gallon of water to each person in your family for drinking and sanitation each day. It is quite possible that local water supplies may be contaminated.
• If power remains disrupted use flashlights. Candles left unattended can start fires.
• Be sure to guard against spoiled food. If the power was disrupted, food in the refrigerator may have spoiled.Freezers will keep food for several days if the doors were left closed after the power went off. Do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.
• Do not use fresh food exposed to flood waters. Wash canned foods thoroughly before opening.

Beware of Outdoor Hazards

• Watch for loose or dangling power lines. Do not enter flood waters where there may be submerged appliances. Many lives are lost by electrocution.
• Be extra careful when clearing fallen trees and limbs with a chain saw. Power lines could be entangled.
• Do not be a victim of a chain saw accident. When in doubt, leave the work to professionals.
• If you have a generator, be sure to turn the master power switch in your circuit breaker box off prior to turning the generator on. Also, be sure that the generator is outdoors and in a well ventilated area.

Take your time and be extra careful. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance. If there has been damage to your property, contact your insurance agent, but have patience for there will be many others with damage as well.

 

USDA: Food Safety When The Power Goes Out

 

 

 

# 4684

 

 

With hurricane conditions possible along the south Texas coast in roughly 36 hours, a lot of people may find themselves without electrical power for hours or possibly even days.  

 

And when that happens some of the food that people have in their homes can go bad quickly.   Particularly during the heat of summer.

 

The USDA maintains a Food Safety and Inspection website with a great deal of consumer information about how to protect your food supplies during an emergency, and how to tell when to discard food that may no longer be safe to consume.

 

 

First, an audio podcast (5 minutes).

 

Surviving a Power Outage: Don't Be in the Dark When it Comes to Food Safety (Jun 2, 2010; 4:45) | Script
FSIS Food Safety staff discusses tips on how to be food safe during a power outage.

 

 

Next, an extensive fact sheet on food safety during an emergency, such as a hurricane, flood, or earthquake.

 

Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency

Did you know that a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food? Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This fact sheet will help you make the right decisions for keeping your family safe during an emergency.

 

ABCD’s of Keeping Food Safe in an Emergency

Always keep meat, poultry, fish, and eggs refrigerated at or below 40 °F and frozen food at or below 0 °F. This may be difficult when the power is out.

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. Obtain dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot full freezer for 2 days. Plan ahead and know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased.

(Continue . . . )

 

You’ll also find numerous charts (like the one below) showing different food items, and how to know when they must be discarded.

 

 

 

It doesn’t require a major disaster like a Hurricane to knock out the power to your home for 24 hours or longer.  A strong thunderstorm is perfectly capable of taking down power lines.

 

So whether you are in the path of a storm or not, it’s not such a bad idea to visit this site and glean what you can while the power is still on.

Vilsack: Not Ready For Swine Time

 

 

# 3720

 

 

Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture yesterday lectured the press over the use of the term `Swine Flu’ when referring to our pandemic influenza strain now circling the globe.

 

It was, he insisted, `not swine flu’, and that H1N1 was the `scientifically correct name’.  

 

Well, he got it wrong on both counts.  

 

H1N1, for decades, has referred to seasonal H1N1, and so calling this pandemic virus simply H1N1 is confusing (and imprecise) at best.

 

While the pork industry may not like it, this virus is a `swine flu’, and it has been circulating in hogs for years  until it very recently made the jump from pigs to humans.

What this isn’t is `Classical Swine Flu’, which is also an H1N1 virus, although genetically different from the 2009 pandemic virus.  Classical Swine Flu was first isolated in pigs in 1930, and was probably introduced to swine during the 1918 pandemic.

While it may not be good for business, pigs are a major host for a variety of influenza viruses, and sometimes they do jump to humans.   

 

This from the CDC Factsheet (notice .  . . they call it Swine Flu)

 

Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)

Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

 

Six months into this outbreak, trying to change the name that billions of people know this pandemic virus by is not only impossible, it is ludicrous.  

 

If it hurts the swine industry, I’m sorry.  But that pig is already out of the pen.

 

Perhaps it will inspired the pork industry to do a better job of surveillance for influenza viruses in their herds if they know that pandemics are going to be named after them.

 

Sometimes I use the term `novel H1N1’ in my blog, simply for variety, although I often use the term `Swine Flu’ and even on occasion, `The virus formerly known as Swine’.

 

Why invoke the word `swine’?

 

Because people looking for information are going to use `Swine flu’ as a search term, that’s why. 

 

The Revere’s over at Effect Measure weigh in on this subject this morning as well in Sorry: it is properly called swine flu.