Kansas State University researchers have developed vaccines against two new strains of bird flu that can be transmitted from poultry to humans. This news release from the school says the strains targeted have led to the culling of millions of commercial chickens and turkeys as well as the death of hundreds of people. The new vaccine development method is expected … Read More
HPAI Bird Numbers Over 40 Million
The official USDA tally on the numbers of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 cases in the United States keeps growing, but as of Monday the number of birds affected nationwide was just under 40 million, so it’s safe to say it is well beyond that number. USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continues to update the numbers on … Read More
HPAI Confirmed in Two New States
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two new states this week – Indiana and Nebraska. The H5N8 strain of avian influenza was discovered in a backyard mixed-poultry flock in Whitley County, Indiana. This is significant because while there have been multiple detections of HPAI H5N2 in the … Read More
Avian Flu Hits Keep Coming
Actual confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) now stand at 133 nationwide, impacting nearly 26 million birds in 13 states according to the latest update from USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Another 11 cases were added to the growing list on Wednesday, most in the hardest hit states of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, but also a … Read More
Iowa Finds Four More Probably HPAI Cases
The number of farms in Iowa with confirmed or probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) rose to 25 on Monday with another four announced. Three of the new cases are turkey farms and one is a 2.8 million bird laying operation. State officials have quarantined the premises and once the presence of the disease is confirmed, all birds … Read More
More Aid for Poultry Producers Approved
Poultry and egg producers hit hard by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 infections are getting some help. The federal government’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) granted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack authority to issue emergency assistance for poultry and egg producers whose flocks were hit with the virus. And the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committee leadership called for … Read More
One Quarter of Iowa Layers Hit with HPAI
*UPDATE* Iowa Governor declares state of emergency late Friday as four more probable cases of HPAI announced. New audio added below. Another five probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were reported Thursday in Iowa commercial poultry operations, including an estimated 5.5 million on one farm. “A week ago our announcement was 3.8 million layers, I believe we’re north … Read More
Funds Requested for Producers Hit with HPAI
U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committee leadership this week requested emergency assistance for poultry and egg producers who have suffered losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 infections. Agriculture Committee Chairmen Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, and Ranking Members Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., sent a letter to the Office … Read More
Avian Flu Moves Eastward
A new state was added to the list of those where highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) cases have been confirmed. On Tuesday, USDA-APHIS confirmed the presence of HPAI in two wild birds, a goose and a duck, in McCracken County, Kentucky. These birds were found within the Mississippi flyway where this strain of avian influenza has previously been identified. … Read More
New Research on Vaccine Solutions for H5N2
A novel approach to developing vaccines that prevent avian influenza was highlighted at the recent One Health Summit, an annual BioKansas conference that shares knowledge to strengthen public safety. With the outbreaks on the rise, the need for a vaccine might be too. Recognizing that animal health can affect human health, the One Health Summit featured a presentation about how … Read More