Seminar Highlights Avian Flu Preparedness After 2015 Outbreak Cost Billions
US - The economic losses caused by the avian influenza outbreak across the US in 2015 was $3.3 billion, according to Dr Melburn Stephens, speaking at USPOULTRY’s recent 2016 Live Production and Welfare Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee.
29 September 2016
2 minute read
By: In his presentation on 'Avian Influenza: Surveillance and Monitoring', Dr Stephens, District 2 emergency coordinator for USDA APHIS, discussed the epidemiological findings, costs and impacts of the 2015 avian influenza outbreak and what producers can expect going forward.
As well as the large cost, he also observed that 16 trade markets were lost including China, Russia and South Korea.
Dr Stephens emphasised some avian flu planning practices for the future - including preventing or reducing future outbreaks, enhanced preparedness, improved and streamlined response capabilities, and preparing for the potential use of AI vaccines.
Kent Peter, live production manager for Farbest Foods, provided an overview of preparing and executing an AI preparedness programme. His presentation highlighted a day-to-day plan and what to expect and how to best control a disease event.
Other talks at the event focused on presenting a positive view of the poultry industry and how sustainability programmes can benefit poultry business as well as the planet.
