HPAI Update: Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Detected in the United States
Melanie Prarat, M.S., Laboratory Operations Manager
Avian influenza (AI) is caused by influenza type A viruses (IAVs). Avian-origin IAVs are categorized based on two virus surface proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1-H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1-N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible; for example, there are avian H5N1, H7N3, H7N7, H7N9 and H9N2 IAVs. Avian influenza viruses are classified as either “low pathogenic” or “highly pathogenic” based on their genetic features and the severity of the disease they cause in poultry. Most viruses are of low pathogenicity, meaning that they causes no signs or only minor clinical signs of infection in poultry. In mid-January 2022, USDA announced the detection of Eurasian-lineage highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in several species of wild bird in North and South Carolina (1/14/2022 announcement; 01/18/2022 announcement). The last time a Eurasian lineage H5N1 HPAI was detected in the United States was in 2016.
As a Level 1 laboratory in the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), Ohio ADDL staff participate in yearly proficiency tests to ensure they are prepared to perform testing for HPAI detection in Ohio’s poultry flocks. Whether you suspect HPAI or want to do surveillance testing of your flock, the ADDL can help you develop a plan for testing. Visit our HPAI Resource Page to get more information on appropriate supplies for sample collection, how to ship or deliver your samples, and which submission form to use if you suspect HPAI in your birds.
IF YOU SUSPECT HPAI, PLEASE CALL ANIMAL HEALTH AT 614-728-6220.
Ohio Beef Expo To Be Held March 17-22, 2022
Anne Parkinson, B.S., Serology Section Head
The ADDL will again be supporting this year’s Ohio Beef Expo to be held at the Ohio Expositions Center in Columbus, Ohio on March 17-22, 2022. ADDL clients are encouraged to visit the Beef Expo’s website and view the Ohio Beef Expo 2022 Health Requirements to qualify their animals for general exhibition/display purposes and for entry into this year’s breed shows and sales. The ADDL strongly encourages clients to follow and adhere to the Ohio Beef Expo Health Requirement Checklist (found on the last page of the official Ohio Beef Expo 2022 Health Requirements) to ensure that their animal’s health requirements are met before attending the event.
 |
Testing services offered by the ADDL cover the Beef Expo’s health requirements and can be referenced on the ADDL’s Tests and Fees webpage for information about testing and test days. Clients are reminded to plan well in advance of the event and that samples submitted for testing MUST be in the laboratory the day before the test is run to receive results on the timeline listed on the ADDL Tests and Fees webpage. Any testing for the Beef Expo needs to be completed within 30 days of the show for entry. Arrangements for rush testing can be made by contacting the laboratory directly, and an additional $75 rush fee will apply to those samples tested outside of normal laboratory timelines. Any questions about testing or fees to meet health qualifications for the Ohio Beef Expo can be directed to the ADDL at 614-728-6220.
Salmonella, Not Just for the Birds: Outbreak Linked to Bearded Dragons
Alescia Roberto, Ph.D., Bacteriology Laboratory Scientist
The Centers for Disease Controls (CDC), public health, and regulatory officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Uganda infections after numerous cases were reported in 25 states. As of January 11, 2022, a total of 44 people were infected, with 15 of those infections resulting in hospitalization. Based on epidemiologic and laboratory data, those that had become ill had been in close contact with a bearded dragon or have handled the animal’s terrarium supplies. According to the CDC investigation notice of the states with reported infections, Washington, Oregon, California, and Wisconsin have been most impacted by this outbreak.
The CDC reminds reptile and amphibian owners that these animals could carry Salmonella in their intestinal tract, even if the animal appears healthy and clean. The bacteria are spread through the animal’s fecal matter and can easily spread to their bodies and throughout their habitat. After touching their reptile or amphibian pets and terrarium supplies, people are urged to wash their hands properly. Additionally, areas that the animal or their supplies come in contact with should be cleaned. And play safely: do not let the pet roam free in the home, cuddle, or kiss them. Visit the CDC website for educational materials, such as this poster that can displayed in your veterinary practice.
Overall, Salmonella infections are common; CDC estimates that the US has over 1 million cases of salmonellosis per year, with about 6% of those infections being due to human-animal interactions. The CDC added that the actual number of infections is likely higher, as many people infected with Salmonella recover without being tested for it or receiving medical care. In Ohio, previous outbreaks of Salmonella have been linked to backyard flocks (2017-2021), bearded dragons (2020), hedgehogs (2020), and turtles (2017), and Ohio ADDL remains committed to working with ODH and other local or federal agencies to test future samples related to these outbreaks.
Bird Health Awareness Week February 28th-March 4th
Bird Health Awareness Week is February 28-March 4th. This week is dedicated to helping all poultry growers to learn about the importance of biosecurity and ways to prevent the spread of infectious poultry disease. Visit the Defend the Flock Program webpage for more information and helpful resources.
|
|
The Ohio ADDL will be closed on Monday, February 21st, 2022 in observance of President's Day.
If you need to contact us regarding an urgent matter, please use our after hours phone number: (888) 456-3405.
|
|
 |
|
