U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, has announced witnesses for the Committee’s hearing on the impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza on the U.S. poultry sector and protecting U.S. poultry flocks. The hearing will take place on July 7 at 3:00pm EST at the Russell Senate office building in room 328A. … Read More
No New Bird Flu Cases Last Week
Time for a little good news on the bird flu outbreak in the Midwest. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said there have been no new probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the state this week, and the last positive flock was detected on June 16. Infected turkey flocks have been … Read More
Recent Bird Flu Epidemic Calls for Increased Biosecurity
Dan Shaw, a professor in the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and a specialist in poultry disease, says outbreaks of high path avian influenza point to the need for more awareness and enhanced practice of biosecurity at poultry farms around the country. The University of Missouri New Bureau sent out the below release to provide an experts opinion … Read More
Federal Disaster Requested for Bird Flu in Iowa
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is requesting a federal disaster declaration in the wake of the devastating bird flu outbreak in the state. The deadly disease has affected more than 33 million birds in Iowa. The request is for Buena Vista, Sioux, Webster and Wright counties, but additional counties may be added to the request as additional losses are identified. Branstad … Read More
USDA: Many Factors in Bird Flu Spreading
A new report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that while lapses in biosecurity and environmental factors are among the most common causes of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), there are several reasons as the cause of the disease. The agency’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) says the information will continue to be … Read More
Canadian Gift Helps Fund Avian Flu Research
Egg Farmers of Canada, national not-for-profit organization that represents Canada’s more than 1,000 egg farms, has committed $500,000 for avian influenza research to be awarded to and administered by the Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University. The organization contacted the Egg Industry Center after the center published a call for pre-proposals to fund research needed to answer questions surrounding … Read More
HPAI Cases Slowing as Economic Impact Grows
It’s a good day when the Iowa Department of Agriculture has no new cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to report and there were two such days last week. However, Iowa still far outpaces any other state in the number of birds impacted at over 30 million, including close to half the laying hens in the state according to … Read More
Avian Flu is the Focus of USPOULTRY Clinic
The Hatchery-Breeder Clinic of 2015 will be held July 14-15 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Nashville, TN. U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, sponsors of the the event, have announced that the focus will be on avian influenza preparations for the fall season, along with new innovations and best practices for flock performance. “This year’s program will address several timely topics, … Read More
No Approval for Avian Flu Vaccine by USDA
USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has determined that additional criteria must be met before any vaccine for highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) can be approved for emergency use. According to the agency, the vaccines currently available “are not well matched and do not meet a suitable level of efficacy.” USDA also wants to be sure that the vaccine … Read More
Iowa Joins Growing List of States Banning Bird Exhibits
As the avian flu crisis continues throughout the poultry raising community, Iowa is the latest in a growing number of states to ban birds at fairs, livestock auctions, swap meets and exotic sales. The state joins several others, including North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and New York, to cancel all live bird exhibitions. This news release from the Iowa Department … Read More