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Avian Influenza Detected on Maine Farm

February 8, 2002

Contact:

CONTACT – Shelley Doak, 287-7610

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUSTA – A non-pathogenic strain of avian influenza has been detected in a flock of about 2,800 ducks, pheasants and geese on a farm in Warren, Maine.

“We were notified yesterday of the positive preliminary tests by the USDA. However we’ve had a quarantine in place since our vet took samples last week,” Commissioner Robert W. Spear of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, said Friday. “It is critical to our poultry industry that we work together and act quickly to stop this in its tracks.”

The farm supplies birds primarily to the live markets in New England. The flock was tested as a result of trace backs from a live bird market in Boston that was reported positive about two weeks ago. The Maine Department of Agriculture is continuing its monitoring to ensure bio-security measures are in place.

This strain is not lethal for birds, however the disease can spread easily among birds. Following an appraisal, the Department will take the necessary measures to depopulate the flock early next week, with assistance from USDA officials. The farm will remain under quarantine until cleaning and disinfection is complete.

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