Canada Issues Notice on HPAI for Backyard Flock Owners

Written by Katharine Richter

On October 22, 2015, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a general public notice warning that there exists a “significant threat of the re-emergence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the fall of 2015.”  During the American outbreak, which killed 47.5 million chickens, Canada lost approximately 250,000 birds in Ontario and British Columbia. 

The warning issued focused on using biosecurity in order to prevent backyard flocks and pet birds from contracting HPAI.  With the decrease of temperature coming, there is concern that the virus will re-emerge because the virus thrives in cooler temperatures.  CFIA issued practices for individuals with birds to follow which include preventing contact with wild birds and other animals, limiting contact with visitors and knowing how to spot and monitor symptoms of illness.

The CFIA notice all contains additional material for individuals seeking guidance on how to protect birds from HPAI at the producer level down to owners of backyard flocks.

CDC Publishes Report on Infection Risk of H5 Avian Influenza

On July 24, 2015, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) published a report on the risk of human infection posed by exposure to birds with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses.

Human infection with avian influenza, although rare, has occurred. The most prominent strains that have occurred in humans are the HPAI strain H5N1 and the low pathogenic avian influenza strain H7N9. H5N1 has been detected in humans in several countries, while H7N9 has occurred mostly within China. When infection occurs, the disease is considered to be severe for these strains. The strains the CDC studied in the report are new strains of the virus found in the United States.

The study focused on exposure during the time-frame of December 2014 to March 2015, where a total of 60 outbreaks of HPAI H5 viruses occurred across 13 states. During this time, a total of 164 people were exposed to infected birds. Of these 164 people 5 developed acute respiratory infections within 10 days of exposure, but HPAI H5 viruses were not detected in any individual. The CDC believes this suggests “the risk of virus transmission to humans appears to be low…” but individuals should remain vigilant when responding to an outbreak.

The severity of infection of these US strains of HPAI is currently unknown, but the CDC states that the strains should be considered to cause potentially severe or fatal illnesses until proven otherwise. The CDC urges individuals to avoid unprotected contact with infected birds, and those exposed to infected birds should be tested for infection in the event that respiratory symptoms develop.

Written by Tyler R. Etter- Research Assistant
August 5, 2015

Vilsack Speaks at Conference on Avian Influenza

On July 28, 2015, at a two day conference called, “Avian Influenza Outbreak…Lessons Learned,” in Des Moines, Iowa, Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture and Iowa Governor, Terry Branstad, gave speeches concerning the avian influenza outbreak.  The conference is closed to the media and public, other than the speeches, in order to ensure open discussion on how responses to the last outbreak went wrong and how future responses can be improved.

According to the Associated Press, Vilsack in his speech commented it would be beneficial to implement a disaster program for poultry producers that would be similar to what is already in place for livestock producers.  The government expects to spend 191 million through its indemnification program and between 350-400 million on the cleanup and depopulation of infected birds.  Vilsack stated there was a proposed insurance program within the 2014 farm bill but was cut due to budgetary considerations.

Vilsack commented during questioning for reporters that if this moves to the East Coast the impact could be quickly outpace the impact of the last outbreak.  Vilsack remarked the process of handling future outbreaks needs to be updated in multiple areas including the indemnification process, how to dispose of the birds and the depopulation of the birds.

To hear a recording of the question session with reporters,click here.

Written by Katharine Richter - Research Assistant

July 29, 2015

Vilsack Testifies Regarding Bird Flu Vaccine

On July 22, 2015, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testified before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture and addressed the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest efforts regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). 

At the hearing, Vilsack stated that USDA was working to produce a vaccine to combat the spread of HPAI.  According to the Secretary, a seed strain vaccination has been developed, and the vaccine has proven to be 100% effective when tested on chickens.  Though Vilsack did not provide a timeline for the availability, he did state that the vaccine was currently being tested on turkeys and if proven effective, would hopefully be ready for production in the near future. 

Relatedly, the Secretary stated that USDA was working on efforts to ensure that U.S. trading partners would not penalize future exports if a vaccine is employed.  Vilsack suggested that any foreign ban on U.S. poultry products could be limited regionally (where the vaccine is used) and not nationally.

To view Secretary Vilsack’s testimony, please click here.

 

Written by M. Sean High - Staff Attorney

July 22, 2015

Senator Argues USDA Funds Needed for Avian Flu Outbreak

  On June 22, 2015, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) urged Congress to not cut $500 million in funding from USDA programs.  Schumer argued the funding should be used to help manage the current avian flu outbreak and could be used for vaccination efforts, “biosecurity” measures, as well as research costs to discover more on how the virus is transmitted.

  According to the press release in the Senator’s website, the impact on consumers and retailers is already being felt and only expected to rise.  The press release stated egg prices have increased to record levels.  In New York, the average wholesale price for a dozen eggs ranges from $1.60-$1.66, beating the 2014 record of $1.42.  “Breaker” eggs used by restaurants and other food producers have increased in price by 273%, causing companies to seek alternative ingredients in response to the decreasing supply. 

   According to the USDA website, as of June 17, 2015, 48,091,293 birds have been affected by Avian Influenza.  Of the total birds affected, approximately 80% are egg laying hens, nationwide that accounts for 10% of the egg laying population.

    The Fiscal Year 2016 Agriculture Appropriations Bill was approved by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on June 17.  It was set to be considered by the full committee on June 25 but was postponed.

Written by Katharine Richter - Research Assistant

June 30, 2015