I originally wrote this protocol for those of us working in California counties experiencing a Virulent Newcastle Disease (vND) outbreak and quarantine during 2019-2020. I have expanded this to include HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) strains such as H5N1 and H5N9 (AKA “Bird Flu”)
I’m posting this information and biosecurity procedures for Wildlife and Pest Control Operators who may be working with, or around poultry and livestock in the United States.
These diseases, once in the environment, can show up anywhere. It may be a client who keeps “backyard poultry,” on a farm or ranch with cattle, or you may be doing unrelated work where infestations of pigeons or other pest birds might occur. It is spread by wild and domesticated species, and no species of bird is immune. Unfortunately, avian influenza viruses easily jump species, and have been found in many species of domestic animals and wildlife, dolphins, and humans.
A heathy looking animal may be asymptomatic, but carrying a virus.
The H5N1 avian influenza virus can remain viable for several days on surfaces at room temperature, but can survive for weeks or even months in colder environments like water or a refrigerator, with the longest survival occurring in freezing temperatures where it can last for decades; on surfaces like plastic or stainless steel, it can survive for 24-48 hours, while on clothes or paper, it may last 8-12 hours.
You may receive calls regarding dead birds. A single sick or dead bird, regardless of species is one too many. Report all sick or dead birds to your state veterinarian.
CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT INFORMATION
You may also contact the USDA at (866-536-7593) to report sick birds, including backyard flocks and migratory birds like ducks and geese.
In California, for sick or dead birds of any species, call the Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-2473.
NOTE: Some agencies are swamped with sick and dying bird reports, so it may be YOU who is asked to help.
Ask ALL NEW CLIENTS before first arrival if they keep any species of livestock, whether pets or poultry. (Remember, H5N1 has been found in numerous species and is zoonotic.)
These viruses may be carried on shoes, clothing, hands, equipment, traps, or vehicles in areas where the disease may be present in the environment.
FIRST: Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of illness.
LINK: Avian influenza SYMPTOMS in pets and backyard flocks
SECOND: Refer to the link below entitled “Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals,” and compare the data to the species of animals YOU work with.
Stagger appointments where domestic birds or livestock are present. The chance of accidental spread decreases with time, but does NOT eliminate it.
If entering a property with birds or livestock present, have flyers available to give to your client. Remember that you may be the first person they’ve come into contact with who knows what Avian Influenza is, and this is an excellent opportunity not only to educate, you may be helping in stopping potential spread.
Take the time to answer what questions you can factually. If you don’t know the answer, do not guess. Refer them, if needed to reliable sources where they can find more information. Links for information about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza are provided below.
THIRD: Stock up on PPE and a registered, approved disinfectant, nitrile gloves, disposable boot covers, eye protection, N95 or better respiratory protection, Tyvek coveralls (if needed,) plastic disposal bags, and paper towels.
Use boot covers at ALL properties while outdoors at ALL properties. For properties with livestock or poultry, put boot covers on before exiting your vehicle, (after you arrive but prior to stepping out) and donn doubled disposable nitrile gloves. If you wish to wear an N-95 mask, do so.
Adding Tyvek, respiratory and eye protection is a MUST if you must be working close to poultry, livestock or feral birds like starlings or pigeons. (Make sure you’re staying hydrated, we all know how miserable Tyvek is.) Enter areas where poultry is kept on a required basis only, and never enter an area with reported sick or dead animals unless necessary. (For those of you who provide dead animal removal services, birds are hands-off until after reporting.) People who contract H5N1 are those who have had close contact with infected animals. That means us!
FOURTH: Carry a spray tank of a fresh and ready to be diluted disinfectant. Make certain the label states the disinfectant is effective against H5N1 Avian Influenza.
Many of us use DSV. DSV is EPA Certified for use in Avian Influenza decontamination.
At 2 ounces of DSV per gallon of water use level (or equivalent use dilution) and a 10-minute contact time, this product was evaluated and found to be effective against the following viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces:
Avian influenza A virus – H5N1
Newcastle disease virus – ATCC VR109
Avian influenza A/Turkey/Wisconsin virus –ATCC VR-798
When you have completed your tasks, return to your vehicle, and before taking off PPE, and thoroughly spray down/soak ALL equipment, including traps, catch poles, or any other equipment used prior to leaving the property. Do it as many times as is necessary to meet label requirements for keeping the treated areas wet. (I usually do this in the back of my truck).
Wet all surfaces of tires, and spray down boot covers with disinfectant. Remove boot covers by turning them inside out as they are removed, and place them in a plastic bag, the inside of which has been sprayed with disinfectant. Place all paper towels or other cleaning materials into the plastic bag. Doff Tyvek and then the first layer of your gloves in the same manner, making certain the “inside is facing out” for Tyvek and gloves. Remove any masks or eye protection. Remove the final glove layer. Seal the bag and spray the exterior with disinfectant. Wash your hands well, or use a alcohol based hand sanitizer until you can. If you need to get out of your vehicle again, you’ll need to start over again, so try to plan everything you’ll be doing in advance. If you’ve torn a boot cover, spray down your boots with disinfectant. Treat any areas you touched while gloved
FIFTH: Go straight to a car wash. A “drive through” car wash can be quite effective in ridding vehicles of pathogens from tires and undercarriages.
If you work in an area with a high poultry or livestock population, consider a foot bath. The soles of boots must remain wet and in contact with solution to be effective.
All of this takes time, so plan accordingly! Preventing the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza to the next property you visit can make a huge difference! Keeping yourself healthy is always a good thing, and being proactive is a good practice.
A professionals, we have a responsibility to do our part, so let’s be certain we’re doing our very best to help prevent further spread of these highly pathogenic diseases. Educate yourself, and educate your clients! Keep copies of the flyer (below) available at all times. I hope this is helpful to you! Annie Raish, CWCP
Additional Information:
Defend The Flock USDA Information (PDF, 48 pages)
What to Know About Bird Flu (PDF Flyer) (Good for Clients)
Emergence and Evolution of H5N1 BIRD FLU (PDF Flyer)
H5N1 Bird Flu: How is it Spreading? (PDF Flyer) (Good for Clients)
What is Virulent Newcastle Disease?
Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks (updated regularly. Scroll down page to explore data entries )
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals (Including Marine Mammals. Updated Regularly)
IN THE NEWS
Animal apocalypse: Deadly bird flu infects hundreds of species pole-to-pole 8/6/2024
Mayo Clinic: H5 bird flu infections continue to rise – What you need to know (YouTube)