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Maryland Department of Agriculture

What to Expect in the First 72 Hours of an Avian Influenza Response

About Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry

Avian influenza is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among chickens through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. 

Speak up about signs of avian flu

The old adage of if you see something, say something plays a huge role in avian influenza response and stopping the spread. 

If you notice increased mortality, less water usage, decreased appetite, egg production going down, birds having difficulty breathing, or diarrhea, then say something. Do not hesitate to call your state veterinarian or flock service person: (410) 841-5810 or [email protected]

A state or federal official will contact you to collect samples. Note: If you are compensated for your flock, reporting sooner is better in terms of how your inventory is counted.

A typical first 72 hours

  • 0 - 12 Hours

    Quarantine

    You will probably receive a verbal quarantine order from a state official, followed soon by a written quarantine order.

    A quarantine means only authorized personnel are allowed on and off your property. Do not move birds, poultry products, or equipment. 

    Inventory

    An official will work with you on your inventory of birds if your flock needs to be depopulated. 

    Suspicion

    Samples will go to the nearest NAHLN lab with results typically coming back in 24 hours. If results come back positive for avian influenza, your flock is considered to be “presumptive positive,” which means we are relatively sure, but not 100% positive, that your flock has highly pathogenic avian influenza.

  • 12 - 36 Hours

    The “in-between phase” 

    If you received a “presumptive positive,” a case manager will come to your farm and guide you through everything. 

    Typically officials wait for USDA confirmation, but in some situations your flock may be depopulated if your birds are “presumptive positive.” 

    Confirmation

    Additional samples will be sent to the USDA NVSL lab for confirmation. This can take time and the wait can be really tough, especially as neighbors and other producers notice more traffic on your farm than normal. State and federal officials cannot make any public announcements until the confirmation from USDA is made. 

    If NVSL confirms HPAI, the next steps can begin and a lot of responders will arrive at your farm, if they haven’t already. 

    You should expect a reimbursement specialist to contact you to discuss the ins and outs of indemnity. 

  • 36 - 72 Hours

    Flock depopulation

    Federal and state officials will work with you and your integrator to figure out the best way to depopulate your flock. There will be a lot of forms to fill out and information to provide. Your case manager will help walk you through it. 

    Disposal

    Once the flock is depopulated, the next step is disposal. This is most often completed through composting on your farm. 

    How did my birds get sick?

    In addition to the staff on-site for depopulation and disposal, you will probably hear from other officials to figure out how HPAI infected your flock so we can try to stop the spread. 

Your role in HPAI response

Once you suspect that your flock may have avian influenza, make sure you contact your state veterinarian and your flock service person. After that, there are steps you will need to take to stop the spread of the virus off your farm. In addition, you will need to get your facilities ready for the response and gather information for your HPAI case manager. 

Stop the spread (0-12 hours)

While we may not be sure yet how the virus made it into your flock, you need to take extra precautions that the virus does not make it beyond your farm where it can infect another farm. As soon as you complete your notifications, implement these biosecure area protocols:

  • Do not allow workers or service providers to come on your farm and then go to another farm. If you have a gate at the end of your farm lane, close and lock it. If not, consider parking a truck across the end of your lane so vehicles cannot go past.
  • Setup a decontamination line for response vehicles entering and exiting your farm. A hand-pump sprayer with disinfectant for tires and undercarriage is a good start. If you have a power washer, use it. 
  • Change clothes and shoes when you move between barns, and wash your hands. Disposable coveralls and shoe covers work well. Wear (K)N95 masks when inside barns. 
  • If possible, make sure everyone takes a shower and puts on fresh clothes before leaving your farm.
  • Check with your state animal health official to see if there is anything else you can do to help stop the spread. 

Facility preparation & information gathering (12-36 hours)

Continue heightened biosecurity and begin preparing your production area for depopulation. Take the following steps:

  • Raise feed and water lines 
  • Have water hoses ready 
  • Figure out the best route for getting on and off your farm and where crews can park in the cold zone
  • Identify areas where you can dispose of the depopulated birds on your premises, if possible

Your case manager, the reimbursement specialist, and the epidemiologist who figure out how the virus got onto your farm, will need information from you. Get prepared by gathering the following information: 

  • Visitor logs (e.g., feed trucks, propane deliveries, vaccine crews, and other service people)
  • Mortality records 
  • Water consumption data

Self-care (36-72 hours)

The first 72 hours of the HPAI response is equivalent to a sprint, but the response efforts that come later are similar to preparing for a marathon. You need to ensure that you, your family, and your workers make self-care a priority to remain healthy during this time. 

  • Take care of yourself - try to eat and get some sleep.
  • It is okay to ask for help. Experiencing mental health challenges can be confusing and frightening. If you need someone to talk to about what is happening, experts are available to help. (Delaware: https://HelpIsHereDE.com; Maryland: https://pressone.211md.org) 
  • Monitor yourself, your family, and any workers daily for flu-like symptoms. Report symptoms to your local public health department. 

Terminology

  • Indemnity: In USDA’s efforts to eradicate and control foreign animal diseases, emerging diseases, and program diseases, they are   authorized to provide certain benefits and compensation to producers to remove animals that are affected, suspect, or exposed to   diseases of concern, and to eliminate dangerous viruses from the environment. 
  • NAHLN: The National Animal Health Laboratory Network is where your birds’ initial samples will be taken to determine if they may have avian influenza. 
  • NVSL: The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, does the confirmatory testing and will determine what proteins make up the virus, along with the figuring out where in the world the virus strain orginated.