1. Avian Influenza What, Where, When Anthony Pescatore Department of Animal Sciences University of Kentucky

2. 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

3. Avian Influenza in the US is NOT the same Virus as “Bird” Flu in Asia

4. Avian Influenza Nomenclature 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

7. Influenzavirus A Poultry FAD 2005

8. 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

9. 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”

10. Some Perspective on 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

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

12. Factors in Asia that have facilitated 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)

13. Asian Bird Flu(H5N1) This is not a subtle disease in birds It 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

14. 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

15. Areas outside Asia Middle East Wild Birds and Poultry Change in Migratory routes Egypt hiding of sick birds lead to human illness Africa Small village flocks

16. What do you need to know 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

17. How are Poultry Companies 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)

18. What 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

19. 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

20. How Poultry Companies are structured 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

21. Poultry Biosecurity Poultry 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.

22. Why aren’t we vaccinating our 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”

23. 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.

24. Thank You!