Low-path Avian Flu in California Turkey Flock
CALIFORNIA, US - Following signs of ill-health, a commercial turkey flock in Merced county has tested positive for the low-pathogenic avian influenza virus of the H7N3 subtype.
19 March 2015
2 minute read
By: USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) sent an Immediate Notification dated 17 March to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The report outlines an outbreak of avian flu in a commercial flock of 61,000 18-week-old male turkeys in Merced county in California, starting on 9 March.
The birds had exhibited coughing with a slight increase in mortality. Samples were submitted for laboratory testing and were confirmed positive for influenza A virus (IAV) H7N3 LPAI.
The virus is identified as North American H7N3 LPAI based upon partial HA and NA sequence obtained directly from swab specimen; virus isolation is pending.
The infected premises has been placed under quarantine following these preliminary findings and an epidemiological investigation has been initiated.
Follow-up surveillance and testing on 10 epidemiologically associated farms are negative for the virus.
The epidemiological investigation and response to the event are continuing.
The last occurrence of this disease was in September 2014.
