2007 PRESS RELEASES

July 16, 2007
STATEMENT BY DR. JOHN CLIFFORD ON CONFIRMATORY AVIAN INFLUENZA TESTS FROM TURKEY SAMPLES IN VIRGINIA
Contact: Karen Eggert, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA, 301.734.7280, karen.m.eggert@aphis.usda.gov

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed that the North American strain of low pathogenic H5N1 virus was present in samples taken from turkeys in Virginia. LPAI is not a human health concern, is commonly found in birds and typically causes only minor sickness or no noticeable symptoms in birds. This LPAI strain has been found in birds in the United States and is very different from the more severe highly pathogenic H5N1 circulating in parts of Asia, Europe and Africa.

Initial screening results announced on July 11 found antibodies indicating a possible prior exposure to H5N1 in the samples, but no virus had been isolated. Further sampling and testing at NVSL allowed for sequencing testing and official laboratory confirmation of LPAI.  

As specified within established procedures to respond to H5 and H7 detections, State and industry officials have completed depopulation of all of the approximately 54,000 turkeys. Virginia and industry officials have acted within the State’s Rapid Response Plan to immediately respond to the detection and have moved quickly to prevent further spread. Surveillance is still being conducted within the area surrounding the infected area, and thus far all tests have been negative.

The close coordination with state and industry partners is instrumental in protecting the health of poultry in the United States. USDA will continue to work collaboratively with States to sample for avian influenza throughout the country.