Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 7/13/16


USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is following up on recent testing that indicated the presence of low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) at three live-poultry markets in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

APHIS this week confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu virus during routine testing, noting that LPAI is not uncommon in live-bird markets and backyard flocks, the agency said in a news release. Authorities are working to trace the possible sources of the virus and have closed the affected markets, which usually supply fresh poultry from backyard breeders and commercial farms to specific ethnic markets or groups.

The agency also said the affected markets are following established protocols for responding to avian influenza outbreaks of any kind, including market closures, poultry depopulation or sales and cleaning and disinfection of the affected areas. USDA also plans to report the LPAI findings to the World Organization for Animal Health in its regular six-month and annual animal health reports in addition to reporting the findings immediately to trading partners with bilateral agreements.

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