AT THIS SITE

From The Director
Equine Passport News
Animal ID/Johne's
Equine Microchip Initiative
BVD Testing Update
Feral Swine
Avian Influenza
TN Disaster Animal Response Team
Meet the Staff
Recognitions/Awards
Miscellaneous Info
Contact Us

AVIAN INFLUENZA

State and federal animal health personnel in Tennessee have been conducting avian influenza surveillance since July 2006. Oropharyngeal swabs from chickens and gamebirds, and cloacal swabs from domestic waterfowl have been tested for avian influenza via antigen detection test strips at the C.E. Kord lab. To date, all tests have been negative from more than 2,900 birds from 430 premises across the state. This testing is part of the national surveillance for highly pathogenic H5N1 Asian strain avian influenza and is complimented by the Biosecurity for the Birds outreach materials provided by USDA. Simultaneous testing is being conducted in wild waterfowl by USDA Wildlife Services in collaboration with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, focusing on multiple mortality events, hunter kills, environmental sampling, and waterfowl capture. An extensive collaboration has also developed between the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Department of Health in conducting avian influenza educational and response training for various agencies and groups at several sites across the state.

Private practitioners are encouraged to remain alert to possible avian influenza when clients report death losses and respiratory symptoms in poultry, or significant mortality in wild waterfowl (5 birds). Contact phone numbers are (615) 837-5120 (state veterinarian), (615) 781-5310 (USDA Veterinary Services), 1-866-536-7593 (USDA toll free) for reporting sick poultry, and 1-866-487-3297 (USDA Wildlife Services) for reporting waterfowl mortality events.    

Dr. Philip Gordon, Assistant State Veterinarian