Section 3. Response

USDA

If you notice signs of disease, notify your local or state veterinarian or contact the USDA through their free hotline.  1-800-536-7593.

In this section you will learn

• how an outbreak of avian influenza will be handled, and
• the agencies and procedures involved to eradicate the disease.
  

If found to have serious disease in your flock, a team of advisers will evaluate the situation and provide an assessment within 24 hours of arrival. In the United States, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is the lead federal agency that will handle an avian influenza outbreak to protect you, your birds, and other poultry owners or industries nearby.³

Other agencies that may be involved are:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) World Health Organization (WHO) World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Certain diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, are considered to be OIE listed diseases and are reportable to OIE. Listed diseases are defined as transmissible diseases which have the potential for very serious and rapid spread, irrespective of national borders, which are of serious socioeconomic or public health consequences and which are of major importance in the international trade of animals and animal products. As a result, avian influenza infections can have major trade disruptions, such as export bans on poultry products from infected countries.21