OIE: 35,000 California turkeys lost to avian flu

The outbreak of low pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza in Stanislaus County, California, has led to the loss of 35,000 turkeys at two commercial operations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reported.

Roy Graber Headshot
Photo courtesy of the Iowa Turkey Federation
Photo courtesy of the Iowa Turkey Federation

The outbreak of low pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza in Stanislaus County, California, has led to the loss of 35,000 turkeys at two commercial operations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reported.

The first confirmed case of avian influenza was reported to the OIE on September 12, while the second was reported to the organization on September 19.

No birds died as a result contracting avian influenza, the OIE reported, but all susceptible birds were stamped out and rendered. There were 26,258 turkeys in the first flock, and an estimated 8,742 turkeys in the second flock.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on September 17 issues a press release concerning the second avian influenza case in Stanislaus County, but at the time did not disclose how many birds were in that flock.

In response to the first case of avian influenza, a 10-kilometer surveillance zone was established, in which other commercial poultry flocks inside that zone were tested. As a result of that surveillance, a second flock tested positive.

The California agency stated that plans for depopulation and disposal were being carried out, and another 10-kilometer surveillance zone was established around the property where the second avian influenza case was found. State officials have quarantined the affected premises and implemented movement controls, the OIE stated.

CDFA’s last report revealed that nine properties with commercial poultry flocks were evaluated and tested negative for avian influenza.

The identity of the company or companies for which the turkeys were being raised has not been disclosed by either animal health agency.

The source of the Stanislaus County avian influenza infections not been determined.

CDFA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continue to work closely with poultry producers and veterinarians in the area to test other flocks for disease and limit additional introductions and spread, CDFA announced.

Page 1 of 170
Next Page