Tennessee Dept of Ag confirms case of AI

[Don]

It appears that Alabama has closed show and swaps for the spring due to new infections found near their TN border.  They're calling for a transport stop on all poultry for a suspect infection of LPAI.  And  one of the methods they mentioned in their news conference is a door to door search looking for back yard flocks.   Just sort of mentioned that they often depopulate flocks even before the testing is completed. 

http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2017/03/alabama-to-announce-3-bird-flu-outbreaks.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2017/03/bird_flu_detected_near_state_l.html

[Jen Mitchell]

It appears that Alabama has closed show and swaps for the spring due to new infections found near their TN border.  They're calling for a transport stop on all poultry for a suspect infection of LPAI.  And  one of the methods they mentioned in their news conference is a door to door search looking for back yard flocks.     Just sort of mentioned that they often depopulate flocks even before the testing is completed.  /b]

http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2017/03/alabama-to-announce-3-bird-flu-outbreaks.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2017/03/bird_flu_detected_near_state_l.html

Unfortunately, that is quite true... and without a fierce and public fight until test results come back, they will just eradicate your flock... I was involved with a large support effort last year for a gentleman in Virginia's flock who was slated for that depopulation before confirming test results policy... he was completely cooperative, willing to sit out strict quarantine and complied with every request and demand that was made, except agreeing to allow them to destroy all of his birds on assumptions... test results came back negative, and they still wanted to depopulate... it took getting the news involved and countless supporters before they backed off and allowed him to go through full quarantine and reconfirmed negative testing afterwards... it was a nightmare and a very close call... here's hoping that none of us go through anything like that...

[Susan Mouw]

That's just scary...

I hope our friends in TN and AL are all safe.

[Don]

Very little news on the Alabama farms today so far.  But one report said that one back yard flock was caught up in the search.    Pray for warm weather for this part of the country soon. 

http://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/news_home/Food_Safety/2017/03/Alabama_reports_two_AI_cases.aspx?ID=%7B472818E9-3DC4-4BFA-A183-3ED554F7AD3B%7D&cck=1

Alabama AI manual seems to read very simple for different kinds of poultry, Breeders, leghorn types etc.  There is a simple comment at the end of the document related to backyard flock.
But they are there to protect the commercial flocks. 

http://www.agi.alabama.gov/docs/default-source/Animal-Health/poultry/avian_manual.pdf?sfvrsn=0

[Jen Mitchell]

Now a second infection was detected in Lincoln County, TN... within 2 miles of the first, but HPAI this time instead of LPAI...

http://tennesseewatchman.com/2017/03/16/second-case-of-hpai-detected-in-lincoln-county/

[Birdcrazy]

Thank you Jen and Don for keeping us informed on the AI situation in TN and AL. Hopefully new news down the road will be positive on the situation!

[Susan Mouw]

Georgia has now shut down all swaps and shows.  There have been no infections found in GA, but they do share a border with both Alabama and TN.

[Don]

Georgia has now shut down all swaps and shows.  There have been no infections found in GA, but they do share a border with both Alabama and TN.

Well that's just peachy

[Susan Mouw]

I contacted our SC State NPIP Coordinator and asked if we could still sell to GA buyers.  As long as you are NPIP/AI clean, you can.

That's for SC - I don't know about NC.

[Don]

Any new reports that anyone has seen today?

(Thanks Jen.  That's one of the rumors that I've heard, that they are planning to ban swaps on Monday.
I hear rumors of KY and WI can't find official confirmation yet.)

[Jen Mitchell]

Any new reports that anyone has seen today?

Just saw this posted on our local Mid TN thread... I haven't looked it up to verify yet, but...



A case of low pathogen H7/N9 AI was confirmed at 5:45 tonight at a Commercial farm in Christian Co. KY. They have placed a movement ban on KY poultry beginning Monday morning until further notice.

Edited to add: This was passed on from a KY state Ag official, it has not been released to the public yet...

Very welcome, Don...

[Jen Mitchell]

And 2 more cases of LPAI in Alabama again... 1 in a commercial operation and 1 in a backyard flock...

http://www.agi.alabama.gov/s/avian-influenza/additional-poultry-flocks-test-positive-for-low-pathogenic-avian-influenza

[Don]

The one AI event in Pickens County is about three hours from the cluster of other events along the TN and AL border, along the Miss border.  I hope that soon enough with the weather warming it will become a mute point.  Then we will see how the respective states respond this summer.   

[Jim Morris]

I live in Northern Madison County Alabama, about 5 miles from the Tennessee border. I found an article that told that the case here  was a backyard flock near North Huntsville. Why have they not already named the owner and exactly where its located.?

[Don]

Jim,  I don't know if they will release the location and name due to privacy concerns?  You might check with your county ag agent to see if they can give you some distance parameters from your place.  But If I were you I would lay low until it blows over.  If you are tested or registered with the state then they know where you are.  And my guess is that if you are within the 10 kilometer radius they would have been around to test your flock already.