Avian flu virus confirmed in Idaho

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has initiated a multi-agency investigation following the confirmation of a highly pathogenic strain of the avian influenza virus originating from wild waterfowl in western and southern Idaho.

The incidents of HPAI recently found in Washington, Oregon, California and Utah, led USDA Wildlife Services and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to increase routine disease surveillance of wild waterfowl in common migratory regions of Idaho.

Surveillance conducted in Gooding County identified several cases of H5N8 avian influenza in wild ducks.

Melanie Collett, spokeswoman for the Panhandle Health District in Hayden, said her agency is in contact with the ISDA about the situation.

"Even though there aren't any major poultry farms in this area, people do have backyard chickens and it's definitely something to watch," said Collett, adding that birds with avian flu show similar symptoms that humans have with the flu such as coughing, sneezing, sudden death and swelling of the head.

The H5N2 strain of avian influenza virus was confirmed in three falcons from a private, non-commercial flock in Canyon County and was a result of recent contact with wild waterfowl. The flock is currently under quarantine and additional viral testing is being conducted on the remaining birds. Additionally, a small backyard poultry flock in Canyon County was identified as having chickens test positive for H5N2. That flock was immediately put under quarantine and the birds have been depopulated.

"Both the H5N8 and H5N2 strains of HPAI confirmed in Idaho have previously been identified in incidents in backyard domestic poultry and wild fowl in other northwestern states," said Bill Barton, ISDA state veterinarian. "It is critical that backyard flock owners and poultry producers take every opportunity to prevent contact between domestic birds and the wild waterfowl that carry the avian influenza virus."

The ISDA is working closely with IDFG, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services on further disease surveillance for avian influenza statewide.

There have been no human illnesses associated with the H5N8 or H5N2 viral strains of avian influenza anywhere in the world, to date. The virus has not been found in commercial poultry anywhere in the United States. However, to reduce the risk of exposure, individuals handling wild and domestic birds should remember to wash their hands after contact and cook all poultry and poultry products thoroughly prior to consumption.

ISDA encourages commercial poultry growers and backyard owners to be vigilant with biosecurity measures, including maintaining separation between their flocks (including all feed and watering sites) and any wild birds. All poultry producers should monitor their flocks for signs of illness in their birds.

If producers observe symptoms consistent with HPAI in any of their birds, contact the ISDA state veterinarian's office at (208) 332-8540 or USDA-APHIS-VS, toll free at (866) 536-7593.

Sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208) 454-7638.