First case of avian influenza reported in Pennsylvania
Madolin EdwardsPennsylvania has detected its first case of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus.HPAI has been detected in a wild bald eagle found dead in East Marlborough Township, Chester County, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. In addition, the Game Commission said diagnostics are pending regarding five wild hooded mergansers recovered from Kahle Lake on the border of Clarion and Venango counties. Four were found dead and the fifth was exhibiting neurologic signs and was euthanized. HPAI is suspected in those deaths.
This is the first detection of HPAI H5N1 in birds in the state since the virus was first identified in North America in December. As of March, the HPAI outbreak has impacted domestic or wild birds in more than 20 states across the eastern and midwestern United States. No HPAI cases have been detected in Pennsylvania since a 1983-84 outbreak, although it has been identified in migrating wild birds and domestic poultry in 2022, including in the Atlantic Flyway (migration passages), which includes Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
"I talked to Harrisburg and there's nothing out on paper yet as to their concerns," said David Berkey, president of the Somerset County Fair Board. "That could change. But we're running as we ordinarily do."
He said the county fair associations don't make the decisions on what to do in these cases. They follow what the state USDA determines should to be done. He recommended those planning to participate in the county fair's poultry show to keep checking the website, somersetcountyfairpa.com, where the fair board will post any changes.
HPAI
HPAI can lead to sickness or death in wild poultry (turkey, grouse), raptors (hawks, eagles), avian scavengers (crows, gulls, ravens), and other species (ducks, geese), said the Game Commission. HPAI is particularly contagious and lethal to domestic poultry.
This HPAI outbreak does not appear to have significantly impacted wild bird populations, but it has the potential to affect the commercial poultry industry.
HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because no human cases of these avian influenza viruses has been detected in the United States. Proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills bacteria and viruses, says the Farm Bureau.
HPAI originally circulated through Europe, Asia and Africa, causing devastating losses. Canada detected its first case on Dec. 20. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported detecting in a wild duck in South Carolina on Jan. 13. Most detections in the U.S. is on the Eastern coast.
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As of March 1, there were 297 confirmed wild bird detections in 13 states, according to Penn State Extension. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed multiple cases in birds in states including Delaware, New York, Maine, Michigan, Virginia, Iowa and Kentucky, said the Farm Bureau. Avian influenza cases in Delaware and Kentucky were found in commercial poultry flocks, while cases in other states were found in non-commercial backyard flocks. HPAI can cause severe disease and significant mortality.
Birds from affected flocks will not enter the food system.
Bird virus
In wild birds, avian influenza is a virus. It is shed in feces and through nasal passages or saliva, according to a Penn State Extension informational session on avian influenza concerning small poultry flocks held earlier this month.
"The number 1 carrier is ducks because they are on the hunter harvest data totals," said Megan Lighty from Penn State Extension and animal diagnostic lab. "Chickens, turkeys, pheasants, grouse are highly susceptible. There is no treatment (for the affected bird)."
Clinical signs of HPAI include: change in water consumption, sudden increase in mortality, decreased energy or appetite, decreased egg production, soft-shelled, thin shelled, misshapen eggs, swelling or purple discoloration of the head, eyelids or legs, difficulty breathing, coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge, incoordination, stumbling, twisting of head and neck and diarrhea.
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Lighty said people can contaminate the flocks through clothing, footwear and vehicles.
How long until the bird dies after incubation? Lighty said the average is three to seven days, maybe even 14 days before an increase in mortality will show. With HPAI, Lighty said, birds get very sick and die quickly.
"Call the hotlines. Don't transport them yourself," she said. "Disposal of the carcasses depends on local requirements and federal regulation departments."
Biosecurity measures
Safeguards can be taken to protect domestic birds or wild birds held in captivity, says the Game Commission. Certified organic poultry operations must establish and maintain preventative livestock health care practices, which may include temporary confinement to protect the health, safety, or well-being of animals. The USDA urges anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer to review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds.
Owners should always prevent contact between their birds and wild birds to prevent the spread of disease. Penn State Extension says to prevent avian influenza from getting into your flocks, maintain a line of separation around your flock, for example walls of a barn, coop, fence or a run, pen, yard or pasture. Consider potential risks from anything crossing over that line such as other birds, people, tools or equipment.
Prevent contact between wild birds and feces from your flock. Keep birds inside if possible. Prevent entry by wild birds by putting netting or a tarp over the outdoor areas. Prevent contact between wild birds and your flock. Limit your contact with the wild birds and feces. If you do come in contact, shower, change clothes, shoes, vehicle tires, floor boards and gas and brake pedals.
Hunters coming into contact with wild birds is a huge risk. The Penn State Extension recommends wearing gloves, dress birds away from the flock, and wash clothes.
If you have a mixed flock, separate them. Wash hands before and after working with the flock. Dedicate specific clothes and shoes for flock work. Limit visitors to the flock. Don't visit other flocks. Quarantine new birds from the flock for 30 days. Penn State also said this goes for birds shown in fairs. People should not handle chicks or ducklings in the stores. Clean and disinfect all the tools and equipment.
If detected in the flock, the state's Department of Agriculture will draw a radius around the area and conduct surveillance. The area will be quarantined and enhanced biosecurity practices will be put into place.
More information on biosecurity practices is available on the APHIS Avian Health webpage. The USDA offers free biosecurity information on its website.
How long does the virus stay contagious?
"The virus is sensitive to heat, drying, disinfectant, and can stay contagious for weeks in cold, wet areas and surfaces," Lighty said. "The virus is not inside an egg, but could be on the egg shell."
She said composting is a way to get rid of the virus.
"Maintaining temperatures for a recommended time will get rid of the virus," she said. "Sunlight or UV light is best to kill the virus."
In addition to practicing good biosecurity, the USDA encourages bird owners to report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to state and federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through APHIS’ toll-free number, 1-866-536-7593. APHIS strongly suggests that owners bring birds indoors, when possible, to further prevent exposures.
"Check in with the State Department of Agriculture to be aware of the current situation," Lighty recommends.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Wildlife Futures Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System are all working together to monitor for HPAI in wild and domestic bird populations throughout the Commonwealth.
Who to contact: Report sick/dying birds immediately to the PDA Bureau of Animal Health 717-772-2852. Press 1 to be connected to the on call veterinarian. The phone line is monitored 24/7. USDA toll-free hotline is 1-866-536-7593. Stay up to date at extension.psu.edu/avian-influenza.