H1N1 Flu Hits Virginia Turkey Flock
US - The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported a new outbreak of influenza A H1N1 in a turkey flock in the state of Virginia.
2 December 2009
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APHIS sent an Immediate Notification dated 30 November to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The outbreak started on 16 November in an unspecified location in Virginia in a flock of 3,270 turkey breeder hens in a commercial flock. No other barns on the farm are reported to be affected and no other birds have shown signs of clinical illness.
The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of this event.
According to the report, a significant drop in egg production was observed in one barn only in the week of 16 November 2009. A week later, presumptive detection of 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 was reported to APHIS and laboratory samples were submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). NVSL confirmation of 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 influenza virus on 30 November.
Information points to recent exposure of the turkeys to a farm worker exhibiting influenza-like symptoms. The farm was and continues to be under enhanced biosecurity.
