Section 1. Avian Influenza Facts

Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the U.S.



While HPAI H5N1 has not been reported in the U.S. as of February 2011, outbreaks of other HPAI subtypes have occurred throughout the country.

To date, there have been four outbreaks in the U.S. of HPAI occurring in 1924, 1983, 2004, and 2014. Several low pathogenic outbreaks have resulted in mass depopulations of poultry as well. Many of these cases are believed to have resulted from contact with AI-infected live bird markets and sharing equipment between farms.2 



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The 2014-2015 outbreak of high pathogenic avian influenza is the largest animal health emergency in US history. In less than six months, over 48 million birds on 223 premises were affected by the virus. The outbreak devastated the affected regions of the Pacific Northwest and Midwest. While the exact cause of the spread from farm to farm has yet to be determined, most experts agree that movement is a major factor. Because the virus can survive in the environment for long periods of time, the virus can be moved from farm to farm by people, animals, farm vehicles or other pieces of equipment. Because of this, biosecurity on individual farms is extremely important and it is imperative to always follow a strict management and health program. Biosecurity includes procedures that minimize risk of a virus or other infectious agent from entering a premise or facility.  The following video will provide tips to improve your personal biosecurity.


Documented HPAI in Poultry6,22
Year
Location
Strain
Losses
1924-25
USA
Unknown
Unknown
1983-84
PA, USA
H5N2
17 million
2004
TX, USA
H5N2
9,000
 2014-2015  USA  H5N2, H5N8, H5N1 49 million 


Documented LPAI in Poultry6,22
Year
Location
Strain
Losses
1978-1995
MN
Various LPAI
1199 Farms
1995
MN H9N2
178 Farms
1995
UT
H7N3
2 million (60 Farms)
2002
VA
H7N2
4.7 million (197 Farms)
2004
DE, MD, PA
H7N2, H2N2
400,000