FAQs
- Low-Path Avian Influenza FAQs
Disease Alerts
2018 Disease Alerts
- November 2 & 3, 2018 CONFIRMATION – Stearns-02, Kandiyohi-02, Stearns 03 and Stearns 04
- October 31, 2018 CONFIRMATION – Stearns County
- October 20, 2018 CONFIRMATION – Kandiyohi County
- February 8, 2018 CONFIRMATION – Waseca County
2017 Disease Alerts
- March 17, 2017 – Swift County (H1N1)
2016 Disease Alerts
- AI CONFIRMATION Disease Alert – January 13, 2017 – Big Stone County
- AI Presumptive Disease Alert January 11, 2017 – Big Stone County
- March 21, 2016 – Kandiyohi County (initially emailed 3/18; updated file 3/21)
- April 8, 2016 – Kandiyohi County
- May 6, 2016 – Kandiyohi County
Latest Updates
NPIP Biosecurity Principles
Blog posts and short videos from the University of Minnesota Poultry Extension:
- Introduction |
- Principle #1 |
- Principle #2 |
- Principle #3 and 4| |
- Principle #5 |
- Principle #6 |
- Principle #7 |
- Principle #8 |
- Principle #9 |
- Principle #10 |
- Principle #11 |
- Principle #12 |
- Principle #13 |
- Principle #14 | (final principle)
(9/27/17) NPIP Biosecurity Principles
Latest information via video from the September 13th Producer Lunch and Learn Meeting in Willmar (and via webcast) – .
To find the Biosecurity Principles, Audit Guidelines, and a Biosecurity Audit Form, go to the NPIP website – www.poultryimprovement.org. Under the lefthand column, select NPIP Program Standards < Biosecurity Principles.
For additional information contact: Dr. Dale Lauer or Dr. Shauna Voss with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at or Dr. Jill Nezworski () or Dr. Ben Wileman () our regional representative and alternate representative, respectively, to the USDA’s General Conference Committee (GCC).
(8/2/17) USPOULTRY funding supports research on ventilation shut down for depopulation
USPOULTRY announces the completion of a funded research project at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. in which researchers provided insight on using ventilation shut down as a humane depopulation method.
Researchers at North Carolina State University, led by Dr. Kenneth Anderson, recently completed a research project in which they studied the effectiveness of ventilation shut down (VSD) as a depopulation method for caged layers. They found that the effectiveness of VSD could be enhanced by the addition of heat or CO2. Actual time of death and time spent unconscious prior to death were measured using electroencephalograms on individual hens. This research provides a scientific foundation for understanding how the poultry industry can use VSD as a humane depopulation method during disease emergencies. (Link here)
(7/28/16) – New Poultry Disease Planning Tool!
After the devastating outbreak of HPAI in 2015, it was widely recognized that producers and responders needed to be better prepared to make sure it never happens again. In response, several programs have focused on improving biosecurity or adding diagnostic testing capacity in Minnesota but there is still a need to help the individual poultry producer understand the information he or she needs in an emergency. With this in mind, an idea was hatched at the University of Minnesota to create an online poultry producer planning tool. The goal was to create an online platform for poultry producers to help them get the information they need in an easy to access format. The result is a tool that you can access and use at poultrydiseaseplanning.com!
Full details on how to create a profile and utilize this terrific planning tool – click here.
- HPAI Diagnostics – update from Dr. Dale Lauer 2-18-2016
USDA-APHIS Fact Sheets on Depopulation / Ventilation Shutdown:
- Stamping-Out & Depopulation Policy (9/18/2015)
- Ventilation Shutdown Evidence & Policy (9/18/2015)
- Using Ventilation Shutdown to Control HPAI (1/15/2016)
- USDA-APHIS Releases Interim Rule on Indemnity for HPAI | Interim Rule (2/5/2016)
- Epidemiologic Study of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 among Turkey Farms – released 1/27/2016 by UMN
USDA APHIS Fall Response Plan
- USDA APHIS updated response plan for HPAI (1/22/16): USDA APHIS HPAI Preparedness and Response Plan.
This plan includes updates to indemnity “flat rates” as follows:
- Turkey $3.55 / bird
- Layer $6.45/ bird
- Broiler $1.15 / bird (This is an estimate based on industry averages because no broiler flocks were affected in the previous outbreak
The producer will be able to use the funds provided to do the work themselves or to hire an outside contractor. They can also use the flat rate money to help fund alternate effective virus elimination methods after consultation with APHIS representatives.
Other clarifications:
- Clarifying that while USDA will cover the cost of purchasing vaccine, it will not incur the costs associated with administering the vaccine.
- Clarifying that should USDA decide to vaccinate, there may be justification for not vaccinating certain commercial subpopulations within an area, such as short-lived birds (broilers, ducks) or primary breeders that are under high biosecurity or compartmentalization
- Clarifying that surveillance testing for layer flocks would be through serological testing of vaccinates and dead bird surveillance using rRT-PCR followed by confirmatory testing at NVSL.
Also of note, APHIS posted 2 documents with its response plan:
- Stamping-Out and Depopulation Policy – This document sets out APHIS’ background material, their rationale, and their goal for 24-hour depopulation.
- Ventilation Shutdown Evidence and Policy – This document sets out APHIS’ protocols for the use of VS, in order to meet the goals announced in the prior document.
** There are numerous biosecurity training documents, videos, PDF files of signs and handouts, etc. in both English and Spanish on PoultryBiosecurity.org. **
Biosecurity Review Checklist – via App or PDF file
Growers can now access a free app called iAuditor to conduct their own on-farm reviews of their biosecurity practices. This is not a numerical scoring system; the app asks you to answer each question with “safe”, “at-risk” or “n/a (not applicable)”. You also may take photos of critical areas and attach the photos to the review checklist with your app. Note that the review is geared toward turkey farms but certainly be worthwhile for chicken and egg production as well.
iAuditor is available in the App Store (IOS devices) or Google Play (Android devices).
Instructions:
- Download the FREE iAuditor app on your smartphone or tablet FIRST.
- Email to request the MTGA Biosecurity Farm Review template for iAuditor.
- Once you receive the email on your device, open the attachment. You will be asked how you want to open the file – choose “Open in iAuditor” (or similar language)
- The iAuditor app will open the file. If you can’t find it immediately, go to “Templates” and it should be the first file listed.
You may also download a printable PDF file of this biosecurity review checklist. However, please note that you will not have the option to select “safe, at-risk or n/a” in the “Response” column – you must write those values in if you wish. The iAuditor app is a more robust form of the checklist and MTGA encourages you to use this digital version on your smartphone or tablet if at all possible.
(September 15, 2015) – USDA Releases Biosecurity Self-Assessment Tool for Poultry Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has released a “Checklist for Self-Assessment of Enhanced Poultry Biosecurity” and training materials as part of ongoing preparation efforts for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). These documents will assist the poultry industry in implementing effective biosecurity practices. APHIS collaborated with state, academic and industry experts to develop the checklist and training materials. All commercial operations that produce poultry indoors are encouraged to use the self-assessment to review their biosecurity plans. Click here for details
7/24/2015 – LATEST Epidemological Report
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today released an updated highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) epidemiology report.
The report has been updated to include:
- interpretation of data from 81 turkey flocks investigated for HPAI;
- preliminary results from a case-control study conducted in layer operations in Iowa and Nebraska; and,
- preliminary results of a study of wildlife near affected and unaffected premises.
The updated report can be read here.
Wildlife Management Practices
You can build upon and enhance your on-farm biosecurity measures with the addition of simple wildlife management practices around your farm. The following management practices can help you prevent wild birds and other wildlife from coming into direct contact with your poultry, as well as wild bird fecal material and secretions from being accidentally transported on boots, equipment, and food to your birds.
- Improve Your Biosecurity with Simple Wildlife Management Practices
- NEW 6/15/2015 – Epidemiological Analysis
HPAI Signs in Layers (Videos)
View here and here for short videos showing signs of HPAI in layers.
USDA-APHIS Producer Fact Sheets on HPAI
APHIS has now provided HPAI producer factsheets, which cover details on depopulation, indemnity, disposal, and disinfection. These have been combined into one 17-page file downloaded as a pdf at this link.
- USDA – Restocking Criteria for Previously Infected Premises (6/1/2015)
- USDA – Timeline to Restocking & Environmental Sampling Procedures (6/1/2015)
- Control Area Release (version 3)
- HPAI Outbreak 2014-2015 short policy and procedure guides
- HPAI Red Book, SOPs, education & training materials
- USDA Avian Influenza Web Page
- Secure Egg Supply Plan
- Movement of Manure & Litter in a Control Area (5/8/2015)
- Composting of Carcasses (5/7/2015)
- Epidemiological Preliminary Analysis (5/4/2015)
- Clinical Signs in Turkeys (Carol Cardona – University of Minnesota)
- Clinical Signs in Laying Hens (Carol Cardona – University of Minnesota)
To view videos of signs in turkeys click , , and
UMN Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
- AI Testing Guidelines / Courier Service (UPDATED 5/8/2015)
Important Phone Numbers
- Click HERE for hotline numbers and websites with helpful information:
- General inquiries about avian influenza
- Reporting sick/dead poultry
- Reporting sick/dead wild birds
- Poultry permits for farmers (required within control zones)
- And more
- Minnesota Department of Revenue – Tax Filing Extension for HPAI Affected Farmers
Farmer Assistance Programs
- NRCS Assistance for Avian Influenza – Please contact your local NRCS service center for an application; click here for office locations
- Farmer Lender Mediation Program – The Minnesota State Legislature recognized the need to support both farmers and lenders in managing agricultural debt. The 1986 Omnibus Farmer-Lender Bill includes a program of farmer-lender mediation to facilitate discussions on credit problems. Since 1986, University of Minnesota Extension has managed this successful mediation program.
- Letter to affected farmers- Farmer Assistance Programs
- Financial resources flyer
- USDA Farm Service Agency – Matrix of Loan Types & Phone Numbers
- FSA Map of Locations / Contact Info
- FSA Farm Loans
- FSA Micro Loans
- University of Minnesota Extension provides resource to assist in income reductions
Other HPAI Information
-
USDA Hotline: A hotline is available for farmers & the public for both general questions about avian influenza and biosecurity measures that should to taken to protect birds.
- 1-
- Minnesota Talking Points
- Minnesota Board of Animal Health’s website on avian influenza: www.mnairesponse.info
- Summary – HPAI Response Plan (September 2012)- This is a large file; if you would a copy by email, please contact us at
- Minnesota H5/H7 Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Initial State Response and Containment Plan – Executive Summary
Biosecurity Fact Sheets
- Rethink Biosecurity for HPAI Now (for growers) | Spanish Version
- Feed Deliveries – Biosecurity Fact Sheet
Biosecurity Updates by Bird Type
- Egg Layers
- Broiler (meat) Chickens
- Waterfowl / Upland Game
- Turkey
Biosecurity Examples
- Danish Entry |
- Boots | Entryway 1 | Entryway 2 | Tire Washing | Bench in Entryway | Lines of Separation | Larger Entryway
Biosecurity Videos
- Danish Entry
- English: |
- Spanish: |
- Karen: |
Composting Information
- Minnesota Board of Animal Health – Composting Step by Step
- Minnesot Department of Agriculture – Composting Guide
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – Livestock Carcass Disposal
Additional (general) information can be found at the Center for Food Integrity’s Farmer Resource Center, which has general messaging about animal care and food production available for your use.
