Low-Path Avian Influenza Indicated on Middle Tennessee Poultry Farm
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | 07:35am
NASHVILLE - State and federal authorities are responding to an indication of low-pathogenic avian influenza on a single farm in Giles County, Tennessee. The strain poses minimal risk to human health and is not the high-pathogenic strain associated with human and poultry outbreaks in other countries. Nor is it related to the novel flu virus, commonly referred to as swine flu.
On April 24, preliminary test results during routine surveillance indicated the possibility of an avian influenza virus. Subsequent testing by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa indicates an exposure to the H7 strain of low-pathogenic avian influenza.
As part of routine procedures, animal health officials with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture have restricted movement of birds on the affected farm and are currently considering additional surveillance on backyard and commercial flocks in the area. Currently, there are no indications of exposure to other area farms.
“We’re working closely with our state, federal and industry partners and I have every confidence that the actions we are taking will protect animal health and our state’s poultry industry,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “It’s through this partnership that we were able to find and quickly move to address the situation.”
The affected farm produces breeding stock used in the poultry industry, and no birds have entered the human food supply. Avian influenza is not transmitted through poultry meat or eggs, which are safe to consume with regular proper handling and preparation.
Avian influenza is a virus that affects domestic poultry and some wild birds. It is spread to healthy birds by direct contact with infected birds or infected material, often through feces from infected birds. Low-pathogenic avian influenza causes little if any illness and is typically not fatal to poultry.
For more information on avian influenza in poultry, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Web site at http://www.TN.gov/agriculture/regulatory/birdflu.html.