Cold slows euthanizing of infected turkeys

“While several additional farms were confirmed to have the H7N8 virus in IN over the weekend, all of the newer cases are a low pathogenic version of the H7N8 virus”. The outbreak also led to record-high egg prices.

The H7N8 strain is different than the H5N2 virus that led to the deaths of 48 million birds last summer, mostly in the upper Midwest.

Indiana’s poultry industry ranks fourth nationally in turkey production, first in duck production and third in eggs. The highly contagious strain is theoretically risky, and authorities are destroying everything they can find.

“We are hopeful that as we respond very quickly to this virus that we can get it contained and hopefully not see an extensive outbreak like we did a year ago”, said USDA associate deputy administrator for animal and plant health inspection T.J. Myers. “These birds are going to be depopulated as part of the requirement under worldwide trade agreements. and so that is kind of the protocol for this disease so it doesn’t move any farther”. The birds typically are killed using a type of suffocating foam, though due to cold weather, officials in IN also have had to use carbon dioxide gas and a device that delivers a fatal head injury.

Meanwhile, the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) said there were key differences to this outbreak when compared to last year’s.

The Indiana flock appears to have become infected when a less risky form of the virus in the area mutated, said John Clifford, the USDA’s chief veterinarian. The Asian influenza viruses can make people sick.

Still, the new strain found in the United States is considered highly pathogenic, meaning it is especially deadly to poultry. “Avian flu is back and even though it is not yet in Maryland, that means “when” is now”.

“Birds from the affected flock have not and will not enter the food system”, Ted Seger, president of Farbest Farms Inc., said.

We’re told the farmers will be compensated for their loss.

MDA encourages all flock owners to watch for any signs of illness in their birds and to report any increase in illnesses or mortality immediately to the Animal Health unit at 410-841-5810 during office hours, and 410-841-5971 after hours and weekends.