The Wild Bird Population: An Early Warning System for Avian Influenza

1. The Wild Bird Population: An Early Warning System for Avian Influenza Dr. Ron DeHaven Administrator USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service January 27, 2006

2. International Assistance • USDA is providing assistance to international organizations by providing: • Technical expertise and assessments for countries affected by AI • Financial assistance

3. USDA’s Longstanding Domestic Interventions • Targeted surveillance/cooperative efforts with States and Industry • Trade restrictions and smuggling prevention • Migratory bird surveillance and testing • Stockpile of AI vaccine for poultry • Outreach and education • Quarantine and testing of legally imported birds

4. Supplemental AI Funding • USDA received approximately $91 million • For domestic efforts, $73 million will help enhance and increase: • Wild bird surveillance and diagnostics • Animal vaccine stockpile • Biosecurity measures • Smuggling interdiction and trade compliance • Research and development • Planning, equipment, and training

5. Three HPAI Findings in the United States • 1924 – “Fowl Plague” affected live bird markets in the Northeastern U.S • 1983 – destruction of 17 million birds in PA • 2004 – quickly contained and eradicated in TX

6. Avian Influenza Transmission • AI is primarily spread by: • Direct contact between infected birds and healthy birds • Indirect contact with contaminated equipment and materials • Wild waterfowl are a natural reservoir for AI viruses • Airborne transmission from farm to farm is highly unlikely

7. Highly Pathogenic AI in Wild Birds • Wild birds may play a role in moving HPAI • Asian H5N1 may be adapting to wild birds • Most outbreaks are likely due to the movement of poultry and poultry products

8. Wildlife Monitoring • USDA and DOI sampling of migratory birds • Ongoing studies by USDA and university partners in Alaska • Over 12,000 samples with no evidence of HPAI • USDA’s National Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response System

9. Wild Bird Highly Pathogenic AI Interagency Working Group • Membership • USDA • DOI • HHS • State of Alaska • International Assoc. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies • National Assoc. of Public Health Veterinarians

10. Draft U.S. Interagency Strategic PlanAn Early Detection System for Asian H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Migratory Birds • Developed by wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists • Early detection is the key • Unified national system for conducting H5N1 monitoring and surveillance of migratory birds

11. Preparedness in the Event of an Outbreak • USDA’ comprehensive emergency response structure: • Partnerships with local, State, and Federal organizations • Integration with the National Response Plan • Continual collaboration with Federal entities • Diagnostic capabilities

12. Response in the Event of an HPAI Outbreak • Response actions for domestic flocks: • Quarantine and humane euthanasia • Cleaning and disinfection of premises • Possible use of vaccine in poultry • Indemnity payments • Communication to media and the public

13. USDA AI Web Sitewww.usda.gov/birdflu • Information about “Biosecurity for the Birds” program • Links to other Federal entities working on AI • Fact Sheets and other information resources • Q&A on AI • News Releases • Technical Briefings