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Orthomyxoviridae, Influenza Type A (CABI)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), fowl plague
First noted in Italy in 1878 (CABI)
n/a
Projected to arrive in the U.S. in migratory birds or through poultry imports (Global Invasive Species Database 2005)
Infects poultry, waterfowl, and occasionally mammals (including humans) (CABI)
Spotlights
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2017. It appears this HPAI strain mutated from a low pathogenic strain that has been found in poultry in that area recently. No human cases of this H7N3 avian influenza virus have been detected and there is no immediate public health concern. 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, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/defendtheflock.
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Avian influenza, or "bird flu," is a respiratory disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses. These viruses can infect domestic poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese) and are found naturally in wild birds (such as ducks, gulls, and shorebirds). Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) occurs naturally in wild birds and can spread to domestic birds. In most cases, it causes few or no outward signs of infection. LPAI viruses are common in the United States and around the world. High pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is extremely infectious, often fatal to domestic poultry, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock. If HPAI is found in the United States, we must eradicate it to protect our country’s flocks and to keep trade flowing.
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is launching a new outreach campaign focused on preventing the spread of infectious poultry diseases in both commercial and backyard poultry. Considering the devastating impact of the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in 2014-2015, as well as this year’s outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease, the timing is right for everyone in the poultry community to work together to protect the health of our nation’s flocks. The “Defend the Flock” campaign to promote biosecurity combines and updates two previous campaigns that were each targeted at a specific segment of the poultry population.
Distribution / Maps / Survey Status
Federally Regulated
U.S. Government Printing Office. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
Title 9: Animals and Animal Products, Part 94
Images
Iowa State University. Center for Food Security and Public Health.
Videos
Selected Resources
The section below contains highly relevant resources for this species, organized by source. Or, to display all related content view all resources for Avian Influenza.
Partnership
Federal Government
United States Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
International Government
Business Queensland (Australia).
State and Local Government
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Provides guidelines for hunters and individuals finding dead birds
Academic
University of Pennsylvania. School of Veterinary Medicine. Wildlife Futures Program.
Iowa State University. Center for Food Security and Public Health.
University of Florida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension.
Professional
Citations
CABI. Invasive Species Compendium. Avian influenza. CAB International. [Accessed Apr 4, 2015].
Global Invasive Species Database. 2005. Avian Influenza Virus (micro-organism). Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.