HPAI Alert: New Infections Found in Texan Poultry Plant and Human

Avian influenza has reached a further outbreak level in the United States this week as two new reports of infections in poultry and a human patient raise concerns.

Last week, HPAI was detected in dairy herds for the first time, including an Idaho herd.

Avian flu infects Texan patient

This Monday, the Texas Department of Health alerted the public that it had its first confirmed case of infection of the H5N1 virus in a human. The patient is believed to have had a direct connection with the infected dairy farms and is the second patient in the United States to be infected with the virus. Their main symptom was conjunctivitis.

Avian influenza rarely infects humans, usually only those who have direct contact with infected animals. However, medical officials caution to be aware of the following potential symptoms, especially for those in the ag industry:

• Fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
• Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures

Large Texas poultry plant also reports major infection

On Tuesday, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. - the largest producer of fresh eggs in the United States - announced that operations at its Parmer County, Texas were suspended as HPAI had been detected in the flock.

Approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, approximately 3.6% of the company’s total flock, were destroyed.

Another producer in Michigan, Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, has also had positive tests for HPAI in its flock.

What Pacific Northwest producers can do

The first thing you can do is follow recommended biosecurity measures to protect your poultry, livestock, and workers.

You can also keep up to date with HPAI and quarantine zones in your state at the following links:

• Washington
• Oregon
• Idaho

More HPAI News from PNWAg