Avian Influenza

What, Where, When

Anthony Pescatore

Department of Animal Sciences

University of Kentucky

Be Prepared!Be Prepared!

The Poultry Industry supports communities planning responses to a Pandemic

Asian Bird Flu (H5N1) may or may not be the next “Big One” but we should respect it

While we need to be prepare we do not need to scare people

Remember my 88 year old Aunt

Avian Influenza in the USis NOT the same Virus as

“Bird” Flu in Asia

Avian InfluenzaAvian InfluenzaNomenclatureNomenclature

Birds: Influenza A type virus

Influenza A is divided into Subtypes based on their surface proteins:

Hemagglutin (HA): 15 subtypes

Neuraminidase (NA): 9 subtypes

H5N1

Influenzavirus AInfluenzavirus A

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DomesticPoultryShorebirdsDucksEquineSwine

Mammalia Aves

Host of Origin

H1H2H3

H4/6H5H7H8H9

H10/11H12H13H14H15

HumanHA

Subtype

Poultry FAD 2005

Influenza Virus (Flu)Influenza Virus (Flu)

Mammals and birds always have flu viruses circulating in their respective populations

Horses, Hogs, Humans, and Birds are just a few of the species that are susceptible to flu viruses

Flu viruses generally stay within species There are some exceptions like Swine flu, which

resides in hogs but can infect turkeys Flu viruses are always changing, that’s why the

human vaccine changes yearly

Avian Influenza (AI)Avian Influenza (AI)

North America has always had Avian Influenza strains circulating in waterfowl, wild birds, and live bird markets

“Asian Bird Flu”(H5N1) is one of many strains of Avian Influenza

Poultry companies are concerned about all avian influenza strains, not just “Asian Bird Flu”

Some Perspective on Some Perspective on Asian Bird Flu (H5N1)Asian Bird Flu (H5N1)

Less than 110 people have died from “Asian Bird Flu” and less than 200 are known to have gotten sick out of 3.7 Billion people in Asia

It is not contagious between people People afflicted with this disease had very close

contact with sick birds (live with them, butchered and ate products from sick birds.)

It has been known to be in Asia since 1997 but recently has moved into Africa and Europe

Asian Bird Flu (H5N1) infects Asian Bird Flu (H5N1) infects birds easily but does not infect birds easily but does not infect

people easilypeople easily

Factors in Asia that have Factors in Asia that have facilitated H5N1 Infectionfacilitated H5N1 Infection

Eastern Asia has the most poultry and people living in very close proximity

Unsanitary conditions Live Bird (Wet) Markets are a primary source for

poultry in cities Sick animals are likely to be eaten by impoverished

people Consumption of uncooked meat or poultry products

(such as raw blood) Cockfighting (highly mobile)

Asian Bird Flu(H5N1)Asian Bird Flu(H5N1)

This is not a subtle disease in birdsIt kills birds very quickly and in large

numbers (90% plus)With few exceptions, cases have been in

live markets, free roaming birds or birds kept in primitive conditions

Areas outside Asia

EU

Most of the outbreaks have been single incidences in wild birds (Swans, Tufted Ducks)

Record cold in Eastern Europe may have disrupted normal winter nesting areas

Three outbreaks in poultry (France, Germany and Sweden

EU approved vaccination of birds in France and Netherlands

Move birds inside in affected areas

Areas outside AsiaAreas outside Asia

Middle East Wild Birds and PoultryChange in Migratory routes Egypt hiding of sick birds lead to human

illness

AfricaSmall village flocks

What do you need to know What do you need to know about “Asian Bird Flu”?about “Asian Bird Flu”?

This disease will not sneak up on the U.S. U.S. commercial poultry are at a lower risk of

getting “Asian Bird Flu” than free roaming birds Wild birds, free range poultry, backyard birds,

Live bird markets, and gamecocks are at the highest risk of all Avian Flu

U.S. Poultry companies understand that this is “not just another AI virus” and are taking precautions

How are Poultry Companies How are Poultry Companies responding to the threat?responding to the threat?

All of the major poultry companies are testing all flocks prior to processing to ensure that poultry products are AI free

In the unlikely event of a H5N1 infection in commercial poultry, the flock would not be processed for food. (euthanized on farm)

Consumer Education Message: U.S. poultry products will be safe even if Asian Bird flu comes to U.S. (websites, brochures, articles)

What is being done in USWhat is being done in US

Voluntary (mandatory) surveillance program

Must test for exports Mandatory surveillance of live bird markets in

NY, NJ and east coast Increase awareness among poultry health

officials and state officials USDA increase information to small flocks

producers Import ban on poultry from Asia

What is being done in Kentucky?

•Commercial Surveillance Program

•Poultry Health Advisory Board

•Emergency Disease Plan

•Catastrophic Loss Training

•Creation of an indemnity fund for small flocks ($ 102,000) by commercial industry

How Poultry Companies are How Poultry Companies are structured to prevent diseasestructured to prevent disease

Chickens are raised indoors to protect from disease-carrying wild birds

A company representative visits the farm weekly to evaluate flock health

Producers alert the company immediately to changes in flock health status

Biosecurity: Procedures that keep disease away from the flock

Poultry BiosecurityPoultry Biosecurity

Unauthorized visitors are not permitted on farm Clean coveralls, hairnets, and disposable boots are

used when visiting farms Step pans disinfect footwear prior to entering Water systems sanitized (especially lake systems) Producers avoid contact with waterfowl,

gamecocks, poultry swap meets, etc.

Why aren’t we vaccinating our Why aren’t we vaccinating our chickens for Asian Bird Flu?chickens for Asian Bird Flu?

Historically, vaccinating for AI meant that a country was not serious about eradication

US Poultry relies heavily on exports: Breast meat stays in domestic markets, Leg quarters go overseas

U.S. companies believe that trade barriers would be imposed if U.S. vaccinated for AI

Overseas opposition to vaccination may vanish as more countries vaccinate for “Asian Bird Flu”

What can small producers do?•Biosecurity

•Personal Hygiene

Wash your hands, Wash your hands, Wash your hands

•Separate clothes and boots for the poultry

•Protective gear if creating an aerosol

•Be aware of where you have been

•Get sick birds to a diagnostic lab

•If you have a poultry event schedule in your county let the State Veterinarian Office know.

Thank You!Thank You!