National Ag News
High path avian flu cases mutated from low path strains
USDA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jack Shere says the Tennessee cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza are mutations of low pathogenic avian flu from wild birds. Shere tells Brownfield Ag News the threat of avian flu is heightened during migration, but more attention to biosecurity since the last major outbreak helps prevent some cases.
“There are a bunch of new plans, people have done a better job of protecting themselves,” Shere told Brownfield Ag News Wednesday, “but those introductions can come and we have to find the low path and make sure that we’re watching those flocks very closely to make sure there isn’t a mutation that could go to high path.”
In some low path cases, says Shere, producers have chosen to de-populate as a precaution, but others, such as a Wisconsin turkey flock, are recovering.
Continue reading High path avian flu cases mutated from low path strains at Brownfield Ag News.
