Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N2 has been affecting a number of states in the United States over the past two weeks. Outbreaks have occured in poultry and/or turkey farms in Minnesota, Missouri and Arkansas. This follows the detection of the virus in wild birds and backyard flocks in Washington State and Oregon in recent months. It is thought that the virus is spreading through wild bird migration via the Mississippi Flyway. Affected farms have been quarantined, with depopulation and disinfection ensuing.
No human cases of this Birdflu strain have been detected and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers the risk of such cases to be low. Nevertheless, because the virus can be spread mechanically via contaminated materials, the USDA/APHIS in a release is advising that persons "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. All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials..."
In Jamaica, our Veterinary Services Division and poultry industry are on alert and carefully monitoring the situation. At this time of year, migratory birds are traveling northwards so, for now, there is little risk from them. No cases of HPAI of any strain have been detected in Jamaica.
UPDATE: The Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries has imposed a ban on poultry and poultry products originating in the US States of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and the Canadian Province of British Columbia. This does not apply to canned, fully cooked or commercially sterilized products.
Click here for the full text of the VSD release.
Click here for a release from USDA/APHIS.
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