State and federal officials in Iowa say all sites hit by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Iowa have been depopulated and clean-up is well underway. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and U.S. Department of Agriculture said depopulation has been completed at all 77 premises, with 34 million birds affected. According to USDA, disposal has been completed at 59 premises. Compost, manure and other materials is what still needs to be disposed of from the 18 sites where disposal is still ongoing. All, bio-secure containers that had birds have been disposed of at a landfill or incinerated.
Following disposal, all facilities must be cleaned and then undergo a disinfection process. Disinfection is typically done using heat to increase the temperatures in the building for several days. Other disinfection methods are also being considered.
Following cleaning and disinfection, all sites must remain fallow for 21 days, during which time environmental samplings will be taken to confirm successful cleaning and disinfecting before restocking.
Three sites have completed both the cleaning and disinfection process and are in 21 day fallow period. One turkey site, Calhoun 1, will finish that period this week. An additional turkey site (Pocahontas 4) and a pullet site (Clay 2) are expected to finish in the next two weeks.
The cleaning and disinfection process on turkey sites is anticipated to largely be completed by the end of August. It is expected to continue into August and September for many of the commercial layer operations due to the size and complexity of those buildings and sites.
Following cleaning and disinfection and if all environmental tests are negative, the sites may be allowed to repopulate. However, even if they are allowed to repopulate they will remain under quarantine. After repopulation the flock must undergo at least three tests for avian influenza. Sampling for the test must occur at least seven days apart and all birds sampled must be at least 21 days old.
Officials said they’re hoping to get producers back up and running, especially in time for the Thanksgiving turkey rush.
Listen to the full update here: Iowa Avian Flu Update - July 21, 2015