Two more avian flu cases confirmed in California

Four cases of low pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza have been confirmed by in Stanislaus County, California, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced.

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

Four cases of low pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza have been confirmed by in Stanislaus County, California, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced.

In addition to two previous detections of the virus in commercial turkey flocks, low pathogenic avian influenza has since been detected in a commercial organic turkey flock and a small organic mixed poultry flock, CDFA reported on September 23. The size of the last two flocks have not yet been disclosed, but between the two previous infected premises, an estimated 35,000 turkeys were affected, according to a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The first two cases were respectively reported on September 12 and September 19.

According to CDFA, the two latest cases were discovered after birds from poultry farms within existing surveillance zone were tested. There are 18 other flocks within the zone, all of which continue to test negative for avian influenza.

Of the three farms where low pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed, three of them participate in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP.)

The infected birds on the first two premises have been euthanized and disposed of to stop further spread of avian influenza.  The remaining two affected flocks are under quarantine, and all movement of poultry or products on or off the farm is halted while state and federal officials work with the owners to determine the most appropriate way to stop further spread, CDFA stated.

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 to limit additional introductions and spread, CDFA announced.

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