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West Virginia (US) turkeys culled for bird flu
Test results for samples collected from turkeys at a
farm in West Virginia indicated exposure to an H5N2 avian influenza
virus.
The samples were collected by an industry group as part of routine,
pre-slaughter surveillance. The turkeys showed no signs of illness and there was
no mortality.
USDA Chief Veterinarian
John Clifford stressed, "Every indication is that the virus is consistent with
low pathogenic strains of avian influenza, or LPAI, which are
commonly found in birds and typically cause only minor sickness or no noticeable
symptoms. We can say for certain this is not the highly pathogenic
H5N1
strain." The
National Veterinary Services Laboratory plans to run
sequencing and pathogenicity tests to further identify the virus.
Approximately 25,000 turkeys were depopulated and all poultry operations
within a 6-mile radius of the affected farm will be closely monitored.
Also, because the affected poultry producer participates in the expanded
National Poultry
Improvement Plan, the USDA will provide 100% indemnity for costs associated
with depopulating the flock.
In keeping with international animal health standards which require
reporting of all H5 and H7 detections, USDA will notify the World
Organization for Animal
Health (OIE) of the West Virginia finding.
Editor WorldPoultry
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