Concerns remain about an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in our nation occurring since early 2022, and its potential impacts on poultry flocks.

Participants: Rod Bain and USDA Chief Veterinarian Rosemary Sifford

TRANSCRIPT

Earlier this month, USDA's Chief Veterinarian, Rosemary Sifford, offered a one-word response to state directors and commissioners of agriculture regarding the current status of highly pathogenic avian influenza in our nation.

Still.

As in still around.

A point confirmed with the recent announcement of high-path AI from a non-poultry source in a non-commercial backyard flock in West Virginia.

This is the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in the Mountaineer State since this current outbreak began two years ago.

Dr.

Sifford noted a silver lining can be found throughout this outbreak, thanks in part to improved biosecurity efforts of bird owners.

We are still seeing very low rates of farm-to-farm transmission, lateral spread.

In terms of 2024 trends regarding a continued high-path AI outbreak, the Chief Veterinarian says with spring migration of wild birds coming up, alert remains high for more cases.

I'm Rod Bain reporting for the U.S.

Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.