[wisb] Alert concerning flu viruses in birds
- From: Victoria Sokolowski <vasladyvet@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: Wisbird <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:52:43 -0600
Just got an alert from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture that I thought I
would share -
H5N2 Found in Northern Pintail Ducks and H5N8 Found in Captive Gyrfalcons in
Washington State
The United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) today confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic
(HP) H5 avian influenza (AI) in wild birds in the state of Washington. Two
separate virus strains were identified: HPAI H5N2 in northern pintail ducks and
HPAI H5N8 in captive Gyrfalcons that were fed hunter-killed wild birds.
Neither virus has been found in commercial poultry anywhere in the United
States.
Both H5N2 and H5N8 viruses have been found in other parts of the world and have
not caused any human infection to date. The wild birds carrying the virus are
believed to have migrated on the Pacific migratory flyway. Wisconsin is
located in the Mississippi flyway.
The Washington findings were quickly reported and identified due to increased
surveillance in light of the HPAI H5N2 avian influenza affecting commercial
poultry in British Columbia, Canada. Washington State, USDA, and other Federal
partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing of birds in
the nearby area.
While there is no immediate public health concern with either of these viruses,
there may be international trade implications resulting from the announcement
of the findings.
All bird owners nationwide, whether commercial producers or backyard
enthusiasts, are encouraged to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact
between their birds and wild birds, and to report sick birds or unusual bird
deaths. To report sick or dead domestic birds, contact DATCP at
datcpanimals@xxxxxx. To report sick or dead wild birds, call the USDA at
1-866-536-7593.
Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found
athealthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
Victoria Sokolowski, DVM
Ladysmith, WI
Rusk County
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