New strain of bird flu reported in Indiana; Alabama officials say all poultry tested before processi
Officials said a strain of bird flu has been confirmed in an Indiana flock.
By Leada Gore | lgore@al.com
Agriculture officials in Alabama said they are closely monitoring reports that a highly infectious avian-influenza virus has been confirmed at an Indiana turkey farm.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed H7N8 was found in the commercial flock. The virus is different from the H5N2 strain that decimated many flocks last year and led to import restrictions against U.S. poultry. USDA said the Indiana flock has been quarantined and the birds were euthanized to prevent the spread of the virus.
There are no known cases of H7N8 infections in humans.
The finding marks the first case of bird flu reported in the U.S. since June 2015.
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillian said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier is in contact with the USDA in regards to the outbreak.
"Our (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Preparedness and Response Plan is in place and every flock of chickens in Alabama is tested for avian influenza before it is processed for human consumption," McMillian said.
McMillian said anyone involved with the poultry industry should review health and safety measures. Bird owners are advised to prevent contact between their flocks and wild birds and report illnesses or unusual deaths to the state veterinarian.
Consumers are advised to cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees in order to kill bacteria and viruses, including HPAI.
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