In the case of the Meeker County detection, samples were collected from the commercial turkey flock and submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, where the virus was confirmed as avian influenza subtype H7N9 this week.  The birds appear healthy and show no sign of infection.  The poultry on the premises have been quarantined by BAH.  As a result of this finding, the Board is following the State’s response and containment plan by establishing a surveillance zone around the operation.  All flocks within 3 miles will be repeatedly tested for the virus for six weeks, along with any flocks linked to the farm. 

“This infection is causing no illness in turkeys, but it should serve as a reminder to all of us involved with animal agriculture,” Minnesota Board of Animal Health Assistant Director and Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory Director Dr. Dale Lauer.  “We need to be vigilant in observing the strictest possible biosecurity to protect our animals.”

According to Lauer, it is not uncommon to find evidence of AI viruses in domestic poultry flocks.  Various forms of AI are detected every year as a result of routine surveillance testing by animal health officials.  Rather than actual virus identification, detections usually involve the discovery of virus antibodies produced by the birds’ immune systems during past exposure to an AI virus.  Less frequently, an actual virus may be detected in a bird.  The Meeker County case is the first incident this year in which officials have confirmed the presence of a virus.

“AI is a fact of life in poultry production because the virus is endemic in wild birds, which can then pass it on to domestic birds,” said Dr. Lauer.  “These introductions are identified, isolated and eliminated thanks to the cooperation between the Board and the poultry industry.  As the country’s number one turkey producing state, Minnesota has a robust network for AI surveillance and response.  Minnesota turkey remains safe.”

Although the current case has caused no illness in Minnesota poultry, the virus, if left unchecked, can change into a form that could be lethal to domestic turkeys and chickens.

AI is not a food safety concern, as it is not transmitted through consumption of properly cooked poultry.  Although some H7 AI viruses can occasionally cause mild eye infections or mild respiratory symptoms in poultry workers, this has not been the case so far.  The Minnesota Department of Health continues to monitor fewer than 20 workers who have had contact with the infected birds.

More information on the state’s surveillance program, AI, or the BAH is available at www.bah.state.mn.us.