Epidemiological Preliminary Analysis

United States
Department of
Agriculture
Animal and Plant
Health Inspection
Service
Veterinary Services
PRELIMINARY REPORT:
Epidemiologic Analysis of HPAI-Affected Turkey Flocks
May 1, 2015
PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
I. Descriptive analysis of epidemiologic investigation of infected flocks
Project Background
The purpose of the survey and analysis is to assess potential pathways of initial introduction of highly
pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses onto commercial poultry operations and potential
transmission routes of HPAI viruses from infected premises to non-infected premises. The survey was
designed as an assessment tool to provide an in-depth review of the current biosecurity and
management practices and exposure risks on an infected farm.
Project Status
Data collection and analyses continue. This document represents an initial preliminary descriptive
analysis.
Methods
A survey instrument (Appendix I) is being administered by State and Federal animal health officials in
areas affected by HPAI strain H5N2. Survey administrators are requesting that respondents be
individual(s) most familiar with the farm’s management and operations. Instructions request responses
be provided for the two week period prior to HPAI detection. Investigators have been asked to
complete the investigation within one week of detection. Additionally, for each survey completed for an
infected barn/farm, at least one non-infected barn/farm within the same complex or as near as possible
to the infected flock should be completed.
Completed questionnaires are sent via email to USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services (VS). Analytical
epidemiologists located at VS, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health (CEAH), Fort Collins, Colorado,
are responsible for questionnaire review, data entry, and analysis.
The questionnaire (Appendix I) includes both closed- and open-ended questions focused on the
following categories: premises description, farm biosecurity, farm help/workers, farm equipment, litter
handling, dead bird disposal, farm visitors, and wild birds. Additionally, respondents have been asked to
provide mortality data (charted over the duration since placement of turkeys in a barn), a copy of the
most recent biosecurity audit or assessment if available, and a farm diagram.
Preliminary Findings
Preliminary findings for questionnaires analyzed to date are given in Table 1. All three control farms had
fewer than five barns compared to half of case farms. All three control farms (versus half of case farms)
had three or more employees. Although all farms used footbaths, two of three control farms used a dry
type. This was rarely used on case farms. All three control farms (and only 39% of case farms) used fly
control. All three case farms disposed of dead birds via burial pit. None had an uncovered rendering
bin. Wild birds were generally seen less often on and around control farms.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Table 1 - Percent case farms, control farms, and control barns on case farms by characteristics
Premises characteristic
Level
Case farm Control farm Control barn
N=23
N=3
N=10
Number of barns
1-4
48
100
50
5+
52
0
50
Total number of employees
<3
52
0
50
3+
48
100
50
Foot pans
Yes, in use
100
100
100
Footbath type
Dry
13
67
0
Fly control
39
100
30
Dead bird disposal
Burial pit
57
100
50
Render
Yes, no bin cover
24
0
22
Yes, bin cover not
5
0
11
routinely closed
Yes, bin cover
24
33
22
routinely closed
No rendering
48
67
44
Wild bird characteristic
Level
Wild birds around farm
Waterfowl
Gulls
Small perching
Other water birds
Other birds
Any
Birds year round
Seasonality
Bird location
Away from facilities
On farm, not in barns
On farm, in barns
Any
Case farm
N=23
78
52
100
35
9
100
91
100
61
57
26
91
Control farm
N=3
67
33
67
0
0
100
50
100
33
33
33
67
Control barn
N=10
100
90
100
60
20
100
100
80
70
20
100
In addition to directly responding to survey questions, all respondents included written statements to
elaborate on or to qualify a response, and most questionnaires included a written narrative. Several
themes have emerged while reviewing these written responses. Many respondents indicated that they
have changed farm activities and protocols (i.e., improvements in biosecurity) over the last four to six
weeks as more farms have been confirmed as HPAI positive in the United States. Frequently, comments
have been included with details of wild bird observations on or around the farm. These comments
include the frequency of bird sightings in and around the houses and on the premises as well as the
types of birds being observed. Several respondents described the level of security of carcass bins in
relation to the presence of scavenger species. Finally, several respondents mentioned wind conditions
around the time of presumed infection.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Copies of mortality data were requested for case and control barns/farms. Figure 1 shows the high
variability in daily flock mortality (number of dead birds/ 1000) for six barns with confirmed or
presumed HPAI infection. Mortality rates are displayed over the period from placement to the date of
disease confirmation.
Figure 1. Mortality rates (number of dead birds per 1,000) since placement for six barns with
presumed or confirmed HPAI infection.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Interpretation and Limitations
These results are preliminary, and several limitations should be recognized. The numbers of infected
and non-infected farms available for the initial descriptive analysis presented in this document were
small. Additionally, 10 of the 13 controls were non-infected barns on infected farms and 3 controls were
non-infected farms (i.e., non-infected farm with similar characteristics located near an infected flock).
Many of the analysis variables were collected at the farm level (e.g., other animals located on the farm,
premises biosecurity, dead bird disposal), and therefore will be the same for both infected and noninfected farms/barns.
CEAH analysts will continue to review, enter and analyze surveys and update results regularly. Variables
(Appendix II) will continue to be evaluated in more detail as more data become available, and results
could represent areas of focus for a more rigorous follow-up study to evaluate risk factors for virus
introduction and transmission. Information collected in the written responses and mortality data will
also continue to be evaluated in conjunction with the analysis for purposes of hypothesis generation and
to inform the next steps of the investigation.
II. Comparison of General Wind Direction and Direction of HPAI Spread in One Cluster of HPAI in
Minnesota
Project Background
This portion of the spatial analysis investigates the hypothesis that HPAI (EA/AM-H5N2) in MN is spread
by air. To test this hypothesis we compared a directional analysis of positive premises in one cluster of
positive HPAI premises in MN using Cluster Seer software with a generalized compass rose based on
weather stations in the area. The results suggest very little alignment of general wind direction to
disease spread direction although the data and methods used were very limited.
Data and Methods - Generalized Wind Rose
The generalized wind rose was developed based on wind direction and speed from the four weather
stations found in Stearns, Meeker, and Kandiyohi counties, Minnesota. We chose to group wind
direction for the four stations to get a view of how wind behaves across the area of interest used in the
analysis. Combining would also reduce localized variations that could affect the directional analysis
across the larger area of infections. Dates used to create the generalized wind rose were March 23, 2015
through April 2. These data are collected through the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS).
The data used were downloaded from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet website:
http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Figure 1. Location of weather stations
used to create wind rose and resulting
wind rose integrating data from all
four stations.
Data and Methods - ClusterSeer Analysis
ClusterSeer [1] is a software package developed for spatio-temporal analysis of disease. Within
ClusterSeer we used the direction method to evaluate the direction of disease spread in one area of
clustered HPAI cases in Minnesota. The Direction Method tests for a space-time interaction and
calculates the average direction of disease spread. A relative model was used, which connects each case
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
to all subsequent cases. This method was chosen since each positive case had the potential to infect all
subsequent cases throughout the period of time for the cluster (approximately 3 weeks). The null
hypothesis is that cases following (in a temporal sense) a given case are located in a random direction.
The alternative hypothesis is that subsequent cases are located in a specific direction. ClusterSeer
provides the following results: a significance test for the above hypothesis, the average direction of
disease spread, and a measure of the variance in the angles between connected cases.
Case data for the ClusterSeer analysis were extracted from the APHIS EMRS (Emergency Management
Response System) and imported into ArcGIS software. The spatial locations of all confirmed positive
premise were validated using geocoding and aerial imagery interpretation to ensure accuracy of the
locations using ArcGIS software. Next, we identified a cluster of 35 cases in Kandiyohi, Stearns, and
Meeker counties. The start date of the premise status represents the date premises were confirmed
positive by NVSL and these dates were used for ClusterSeer analysis. The selected set of 35 cases were
exported from ArcGIS as a text file and then prepared for input to ClusterSeer.
Results
Based on the ClusterSeer directional test, subsequent cases typically occurred in the southwest direction
(221.288 degrees) to previous cases. The analytic results were statistically significant (p = 0.001), and
the results were weakly consistent (ClusterSeer “concentration” value of 0.35, with 0 being randomly
spread and 1.0 being strongly consistent in directional spread.) The generalized wind rose shows wind
direction during this time window to be predominantly in the west-northwest direction but highly
variable throughout the period. Based on this comparison, the two do not match and suggest a simple
wind movement of infection based on predominant wind direction during this time window does not
explain the spread of Avian Influenza in this cluster of positive cases in Minnesota.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Figure 2. Positive premises used in ClusterSeer analysis and direction of spread as reported by
ClusterSeer.
Limitations and Future Work
The evidence suggests that there are likely multiple routes of disease spread for HPAI. Possible routes
of disease spread include direct and indirect contacts between premises, such as movement of trucks,
feed, people, and equipment. Movement of wild birds carrying HPAI can spread the virus to new areas
and interactions between wild and domestic birds can cause infection. This analysis does not account
for these methods of disease spread. The potential for HPAI to be spread by air is dependent on the
period of viral shedding and the distance that HPAI can travel on dust particles and survive in the
atmosphere. Detailed information on the survival characteristics of EA/AM-H5N2 HPAI may not be
available at this time.
The generalize approach to measuring wind direction over the entire period of a cluster of cases used
here makes it difficult to identify a predominant wind direction. A large scale case by case analysis of
disease spread and wind patterns using commonly employed “plume models” would enable a shorter
time period of wind data to be used and highlight predominant wind directions. The large scale case by
case analysis would also enable more accurate temporal modeling of virus shedding and periods of
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
infectivity. This approach has been used by other researchers to evaluate wind-borne spread of HPAI
between farms [2].
Future work for HPAI geospatial analysis will investigate corn fields proximate to premises as a potential
epidemiologic factor for infection, as well as further investigating ice out timing and clustering along
highways 71, 12, and 4. Sustained wind events will be investigated for associations with spikes in cases
5-7 days after the wind events to see if sustained winds of a certain velocity are an epidemiologic factor
for HPAI spread. Depopulation events will be investigated as a potential factor for HPAI spread. Wind
breaks will be investigated as a protective effect for uninfected barns versus infected barns.
References:
1. https://www.biomedware.com/files/ClusterSeer_manual2_2.5_web.pdf
2. Ssematimba A, Hagenaars TJ, de Jong MCM (2012) Modelling the Wind-Borne Spread of Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus between Farms. PLoS ONE 7(2): e31114.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0031114
III. Initial Examination of Geospatial Risk Factors for Infection with HPAI in Minnesota
Methods
The premises location and species of birds present on poultry farms in Minnesota were obtained from
the Minnesota Poultry Laboratory. Latitude, distance to the nearest water body, distance to the nearest
river, distance to the nearest of three highways (71, 12, and 4), and the amount of surface water located
within 0.5, 1, or 3 km were calculated and examined as possible risk factors for infection with HPAI.
Factors which were unconditionally associated with the outcome at p value<0.20 were selected for
further analysis. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models were constructed using a forward stepwise selection approach. Variables with a p value<0. 05 based on Z-statistics or Wald tests for factors
with multiple levels were considered significant and retained in the model.
Results
Being a turkey operation, latitude of the premises, and nearness to one of three highways were
identified as risk factors. Controlling for latitude and distance to the nearest highway, the odds of being
an infected flock are 6.4 times greater in turkey operations. Additionally, a band between the latitudes
of 44.926 and 45.56126 degrees (Figure 1, green band) was identified as being an area of higher risk
(odds ratio 2.1). Being a farm located above this latitude range confers a protective effect.
Distance to nearest highway (p=0.077) was forced into the model in order to compare predicted
probabilities of infection. For turkey operations located in the high risk latitude band and within 30 km
of any of the examined highways, predicted risk of infection was 17.6%. This decreased to 8% for turkey
operations located greater than 30km from the highways but still in the high risk band. For turkey
operations located outside of the high risk latitude band and greater than 30 km from the examined
highways, the predicted probability of infection decreases to 2%. Being within 30 km of an examined
highway outside of the high risk latitude band only slightly increases the predicted risk of infection to 45% depending on latitude. The final model explains approximately 17% of the variation between
infected and non-infected farms.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Interpretation
Results suggest that geography is playing a role in disease risk. This analysis identified broad categories
of risk factors using readily available data, which may be used to help guide future analysis. Consistent
with the outbreak dynamics seen so far in Minnesota, being a turkey operation was the most significant
risk factor identified. The risk of infection also increased within a distinct band of latitude in southern
Minnesota, where the majority of cases have appeared. Since highway 12 runs east to west across this
band, farms located close to this highway may be at increased risk. The effect of being near a highway
decreases outside of the high risk latitude band. A follow up analysis of farms just within the high risk
band may yield additional clues to the effect of highway proximity. Additional data collected from
surveys of cases and controls may also provide greater insight into the factors driving this effect.
Figure 1. Latitude bands identified as having decreased odds of becoming a case, the non-shaded band
at the bottom is the comparison group, while the upper three bands represent areas of decreased
risk.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Limitations
The geographic factors examined are most likely proxies for underlying risk factors and so represent only
a first look at possible risk factors. Further data collection and analysis will aid in identifying underlying
factors driving the effects identified in this analysis. Further work is needed to examine the fit of the
model, and the identification of additional infected farms could change the effect of factors identified.
Because the model used is nonlinear, the magnitude of the change in the infection probability that is
associated with a given change in one of the risk factors depends on the levels of all of the risk factors
examined. Adding additional risk factors to the analysis could change how these risk factors affect the
probability of infection occurring.
IV. HPAI Air Sampling Project (University of Minnesota in collaboration with USDA, APHIS, Veterinary
Services)
Project background
This project was designed to investigate the ability to detect HPAI viruses in the air of poultry barns and
in their immediate environments. This project was designed as a proof of concept and further
investigative work is required.
Methods
Three turkey flocks were chosen to participate in the study.
Flock 1
The flock was a turkey layer confirmed positive on Monday 20 of April, and had 4 barns (about 6,000 to
7,000 birds/each). Barn 2 is where infection started and had an estimated mortality of 70-80% on the
day of sampling. Infection in farm 1 (April 24) was suspected since there was elevated mortality (~20
birds) the morning of sampling. There was no suspicion of HPAI in barns 3 and 4. Air samples were
collected in the interior of barn 1, interior barn 2 and outside of the barn about 3 yards from the exhaust
fan.
Flock 2
The flock was a turkey grow-out confirmed positive on April 25, and had 6 barns. Two of the barns (barn
3 and 7) had between 30 to 40% mortality on the day of sampling (April 27). Only barn 3 was sampled.
There were samples collected inside, at the exhaust point and at ~ 150 yards from the barn. Air samples
were collected from 150 yards, at the exhaust point outside the barn and inside the barn (in this order).
Flock 3
The flock was a male breeder confirmed positive on April 26 and samples were collected on April 28.
Clinical signs of HPAI were only observed in one barn. The Affected barn had about 30% mortality.
Air samples were collected at 150 yards downwind from barn, at the exhaust point outside the barn and
inside the barn (in this order). Only one type of air samplers was used. Air samples were collected using
a cyclonic air sampler (Microtek, Midwest) for 30 min. Estimated air sampler capacity is 200 l/min.
Results using this air sampler are shown in Tables 1, 2. Samples were tested using the matrix PCR against
influenza and if positives, they were re-tested using the specific H5 and H7 PCR.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Results
Tables 1 and 2 and 3 show results obtained using the air cyclonic collector. This air sampler does not
discriminate based on particle size.
Table 1. Summary of results from air samples obtained by matrix RT-PCR
No.samples
Positive 10
Suspect 11
Negative 6
Total
27
(%)
37%
41%
22%
100%
Table 2. Summary of results from air samples by sampling location obtained by matrix RT-PCR
Positive
Suspect
Negative
Total
Inside
5 (42%)
4 (33%)
3 (25%)
12 (100%)
Exhaust
5 (56%)
4 (44%)
0 (0%)
9 (100%)
150 yards
0 (0%)
3 (50%)
3 (50%)
6 (100%)
Conclusion
Influenza virus genetic material could be detected in air samples collected inside and outside of poultry
facilities with birds acutely infected with HPAI. Viral genetic material was found in samples collected
with the three air samplers. The quantity of virus present in the air could only be semi-quantified and it
was not considered very high (only Ct values above 30 were obtained). Samples positive or suspect were
obtained inside and outside at the exhaust point, and only suspect results were obtained at 150 yards.
In conclusion, we showed that HPAI can be aerosolized from infected facilities. However, the
implications of these findings in terms of understanding the transmission of HPAI between flocks needs
further investigation. Future work needs to include sampling of more flocks, detection at various
distances from infected premises and the assessment of environmental contamination outside infected
facilities.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Appendix I. Questionnaire.
Animal and
Plant Health
Inspection
Service
Veterinary
Services
HPAI Investigation – Questionnaire
INSTRUCTIONS
The purposes of these investigations are to assess potential pathways of initial introduction of HPAI
viruses onto commercial poultry operations and potential lateral transmission routes of HPAI viruses
from infected premises to noninfected premises.
Following confirmation of an HPAI virus introduction into a commercial flock, an investigation should be
initiated as soon as possible, no later than 1 week following detection. The investigator(s) assigned
should be integrated into other response activities but their primary focus is on completion of the
introduction investigation.
The investigation form provided is a guide for conducting a systematic and standardized assessment of
potential pathways of initial virus movement onto the farm and potential movement of the virus off the
farm. All sections of the form should be completed through direct conversation with the individual(s)
most familiar with the farm’s management and operations and questions are to be answered for the
period 2 weeks prior to the detection of HPAI. Where applicable, direct observation of the biosecurity or
management practice asked about should be conducted. This is not a box-checking exercise but an indepth review of the current biosecurity and management practices and exposure risks on an affected
farm. For example, direct observation of the farm employee donning and doffing procedures and
compliance with company biosecurity practices is more important than checking the box on the form
indicating that workers wear coveralls into the poultry houses. Investigators are encouraged to take
notes and include them with the investigation form when completed.
An investigation form should be completed for the infected house or farm and at least one noninfected
house or farm within the same complex as near as possible to the index infected flock.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Date: _______________________date
Interviewer name/organization: ________________________________________________intrname
Interviewee name/organization: _______________________________________________intename
A. PREMISES INFORMATION
Farm name: ____________________________________________________frmname
Farm address: __________________________________________________frmadd
Farm (premises) ID: ____________ frmid
Township: _____________ frmtshp
County: ___________________________frmcty
Range: __________ frmrng
Section: ____________frmsec
Is facility enrolled in NPIP?........................................................................................ npip
1 Yes 3 No
B. PREMISES CONTACT INFORMATION
1. Contact name: ______________________________________________________________h201
Phone: _______________ h202 Cell phone: ___________ h203 Email: ____________________ h204
2. Contact name: ______________________________________________________________ h205
Phone: _______________ h206 Cell phone: ___________ h207 Email: ____________________ h208
3. Contact name: ______________________________________________________________ h209
Phone: _______________ h210 Cell phone: ___________ h211 Email: ____________________ h212
4. Flock Veterinarian: ______________________________________________ h213
Phone: _______________ h214 Cell phone: ___________ h215 Email: __________________ h216
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
C. PREMISES DESCRIPTION
1. Poultry type:
1 Broiler
2. Production type:
2 Layer
1 Meat
3. Age:
1 Multiple age
4. Sex:
1 Hen
2 Tom
2 Egg
3 Turkey
4 Other (specify: ____________) h301/h301oth
3 Breeding 4 Other (specify: ___________) h302/h302oth
2 Single age
h303
3 Both
h304
5. Flock size: ........................................................................................................... h305
_____ # birds
6. Facility type: [Check all that apply]
 Brood
h306
 Grow
h307
 Other (specify: _______________________) h308oth
h308
 Both brooder & grower houses are present on the same premises
h309
 Breeder
h310
 Commercial
h311
7. If brooder and grower houses are present on the same premises, are there
multiple stages of management (brooding and growing), in the same house? . h312
1 Yes 3 No
8. a. Farm capacity ............................................................................................... h313
_____ # birds
b. Number of barns .......................................................................................... h314
_____ # barns
c. Barn capacity................................................................................................ h315
_____ # birds
9. What is the primary barn type/ventilation: [Check one only.]
h316
1 Curtain sided
2 Environmental control
3 Side doors
4 Other (specify: ____________________) h316oth
10. Are cool cell pads used? ..................................................................................... h317
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, what is the source of water for these pads? _______________________________
11. Distance in yards of closest body of water near farm: ............................................. h319
h318
_____ yd
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
12. Water body type: [Check all that apply.]
 Pond
h320
 Lake
h321
 Stream
h322
 River
h323
 Other (specify: ________________________) h324oth
h324
13. What other types of animals are present on the farm?
a. Beef cattle .................................................................................................... h325
1 Yes 3 No
b. Dairy cattle ................................................................................................... h326
1 Yes 3 No
c. Horses .......................................................................................................... h327
1 Yes 3 No
d. Sheep ........................................................................................................... h328
1 Yes 3 No
e. Goats ............................................................................................................ h329
1 Yes 3 No
f.
Pigs ............................................................................................................... h330
1 Yes 3 No
g. Dogs ............................................................................................................. h331
1 Yes 3 No
h. Cats .............................................................................................................. h332
1 Yes 3 No
i.
Poultry or domesticated waterfowl ............................................................. h333
1 Yes 3 No
j.
Other (specify: _____________________________) h334oth ........................ h334
1 Yes 3 No
14. What is the primary water source for poultry? [Check one only.]
h335
1 Municipal
2 Well
3 Surface water (e.g., pond)
4 Other (specify: __________________________) h335oth
15. Is water treated prior to delivery to poultry? .................................................... h336
If Yes, how is it treated and with what? ____________________________________
1 Yes 3 No
h337
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
D. FARM BIOSECURITY
1. Is there a house with a family living in it on the property? .............................. h401
1 Yes 3 No
2. Is there a common drive entrance to farm and residence? ............................... h402
1 Yes 3 No
3. Do you have signage of “no admittance” or “biosecure area” on this property? h403
1 Yes 3 No
4. Is there a gate to this farm entrance? ................................................................ h404
1 Yes 3 No
5. Is the gate secured/locked? ............................................................................... h405
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, what hours is it secured? ___________________________________
6. Is the farm area fenced in?................................................................................. h407
7. How frequently is vegetation mowed/bush hogged on the premises? ....... h408
h406
1 Yes 3 No
_____ times/month
8. Is facility free of debris/clutter/trash piles? ...................................................... h409
1 Yes 3 No
9. Is there a wash station/spray area available for vehicles? ................................ h410
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, what disinfectant is used? ___________________________________
h411
10. Is there a designated parking area for workers and visitors
away from the barns/pens? ............................................................................... h412
1 Yes 3 No
11. Is there a changing area for workers? ................................................................ h413
1 Yes 3 No
Do they shower?................................................................................................. h414
1 Yes 3 No
12. Do workers don dedicated laundered coveralls before entering
each house on the premises? ............................................................................. h415
1 Yes 3 No
13. Do worker wear rubber boots or boot covers in poultry houses? ..................... h416
1 Yes 3 No
14. Are the barn/pen doors lockable?...................................................................... h417
1 Yes 3 No
Are they routinely locked? ................................................................................. h418
1 Yes 3 No
15. Are foot pans available at barn/pen entrances? ................................................ h419
1 Yes 3 No
Are they in use? .................................................................................................. h420
1 Yes 3 No
16. Are foot baths dry (powdered or particulate disinfectant)? ............................. h421
1 Yes 3 No
17. Are foot baths liquid disinfectant? .................................................................... h422
1 Yes 3 No
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
18. Frequency foot pan solutions are changed? ............................................... h423
_____ times/month
What disinfectant is used? ___________________________ h424
19. Is there an entry area in the barns/pens before entering the bird area? ......... h425
1 Yes 3 No
20. What pest and wildlife control measures are used on this farm?
a. Rat and mouse bait stations ........................................................................ h426
1 Yes 3 No
b. Bait stations checked at least every 6 weeks .............................................. h427
1 Yes 3 No
c. Fly control used ............................................................................................ h428
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, type and frequency: ___________________________________
h429
d. Houses are bird proof .................................................................................. h430
1 Yes 3 No
e. Wild birds seen in house .............................................................................. h431
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, type, number and frequency: _______________________________________
h432
Raccoons, possums, foxes seen in or around poultry houses ..................... h433
1 Yes 3 No
g. Wild turkeys, pheasants, quail seen around poultry ................................... h434
1 Yes 3 No
21. Are biosecurity audits or assessments (company or third party)
conducted on this farm? ................................................................................... h435
1 Yes 3 No
f.
If Yes, when was the last audit or assessment conducted? ____________________________
(Obtain a copy of the result of the audit or assessment if available.)
22. Has this farm been confirmed positive for HPAI? ............................................ h437
h436
1 Yes 3 No
E. FARM HELP/WORKERS
1. Total number of persons working on farm ............................................................... h501
_____ #
2. Number of workers living on the farm premises who are:
a. Family .................................................................................................................. h502
_____ #
b. Nonfamily ............................................................................................................ h503
_____ #
3. Workers are assigned to: [Check one only.]
h504
1 Entire farm
2 Specific barns/areas
4. Do the workers have a common break area? ................................................... h505
If Yes, location: ________________________
1 Yes 3 No
h506
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
5. Are workers employed by other poultry operations? ........................................ h507
6. How often are training sessions held on biosecurity for workers? .............. h508
1 Yes 3 No
_____ times/year
7. Are family members employed by other poultry operations or processing plants? h509 1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, poultry operation or processing plant: _______________________________________
h510
8. Do part-time/weekend help and other extended family members
on holidays and vacations? ................................................................................ h511
1 Yes 3 No
9. Are workers (full & part-time) restricted from being in contact
with backyard poultry?....................................................................................... h512
1 Yes 3 No
How is this communicated? _______________________________________
h513
F. FARM EQUIPMENT
Is the equipment used on this premises farm specific, under joint ownership that remains on this
premises, or under joint ownership and used on other farm premises? A list of equipment follows.
1. Company vehicles/trailers:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h601
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h602
Dates: ____________________________________
h603
2. Feed trucks (excess feed):
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h604
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h605
Dates: ____________________________________
h606
3. Gates/panels:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h607
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h608
Dates: ____________________________________
h609
4. Lawn mowers:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h610
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h611
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Dates: ____________________________________
h612
5. Live haul loaders:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h613
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h614
Dates: ____________________________________
h615
6. Poult trailers:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h616
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h617
Dates: ____________________________________
h618
7. Pre-loaders:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h619
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h620
Dates: ____________________________________
h621
Describe pre-loader cleaning and disinfection procedures:
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
h622
8. Pressure sprayers/washers:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h623
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h624
Dates: ____________________________________
h625
9. Skid-steer loaders:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h626
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h627
Dates: ____________________________________
h628
10. Tillers:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h629
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h630
Dates: ____________________________________
h631
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
11. Trucks:
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h632
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h633
Dates: ____________________________________
h634
12. Other equipment: _________________________________________
Farm specific? .................................................................................................... h636
h635
1 Yes 3 No
If No, by whom is equipment jointly used: _________________________________________
h637
Dates: ____________________________________
h638
G. LITTER HANDLING
1. Litter type: _____________________________
h701
2. Supplier/source: __________________________
h702
3. Is a litter shed present? ...................................................................................... h703
4. Do you do partial cleanouts?.............................................................................. h704
1 Yes 3 No
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, give dates of last partial cleanout: _______________________________________
5. Date of last cleanout: ......................................................................................... h706
Frequency of cleanout:................................................................................. h707
h705
_________ date
_____ times/month
6. Who does the cleanout? [Check one only.]
h708
1 Grower
2 Contractor
If contractor, name and location____________________________________________
7. Litter is disposed of: [Check one only.]
h709
h710
1 On farm
2 Taken off site
If taken offsite, name and location: __________________________________________
h711
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
H. DEAD BIRD DISPOSAL
1. Approximate normal daily mortality .................................................................. h801
_____ # birds
2. How is daily mortality handled? [Check all that apply.]
 On-farm: Burial pit/incinerator/composted/other (specify: ____________________) h802oth
h802
 Off-farm: Landfill/rendering/other (specify: ________________________________) h803oth
h803
 Off-farm disposal performed by: Owner/employee/other (specify: ______________) h804oth
h804
 If burial or compost pits are used, are carcasses covered with soil
1 Yes 3 No
on a daily basis? ........................................................................................... h805
3. Contact name of company or individual responsible for disposal:
_____________________________________________
h806
If rendering is used, include location of carcass bin on the farm map.
4. What is the pickup schedule? ____________________________________________________
h807
5. Does the carcass bin have a cover? ................................................................... h808
1 Yes 3 No
Is it routinely kept closed? ................................................................................. h809
1 Yes 3 No
I. FARM VISITORS
1. How many visitors do you have on a daily basis? .............................................. h901
______ #
2. Is there a visitor log to sign in? ........................................................................... h902
1 Yes 3 No
Is it current? ....................................................................................................... h903
1 Yes 3 No
3. Do you provide any outer clothing to visitors entering the farm? .................... h904
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, identify items of clothing provided: ______________________________
4. Mark the following services that were on the farm when this flock was on the farm.
List date of service and name of person (or contract company) and if they had
contact with the birds.
Service
Service person
Vaccination crew
h906Yes
No
h910Yes No
Dates
___________ h907
___________ h911
Name
________________ h908
________________ h912
h905
Contact?
Yes 3 No
h9131 Yes 3 No
h9091
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Service
Dates
Name
Moving crew (moving from brood to grow, or pullet house to layer house)
h914Yes No
___________ h915 ________________ h916
Processing plant load out
h918Yes No
___________ h919 ________________ h920
Load-out crew (positive flock)
h922Yes No
___________ h923 _______________ h924
If load-out took more than one night, was returning crew the same crew? ........... h926
Contact?
h9171
Yes 3 No
h9211
Yes 3 No
h9251
Yes 3 No
1 Yes 3 No
Truck #/#’s _______________________________________________________
h927
Trailer #/#’s ______________________________________________________
h928
What plant did flock go to? __________________________________________
h929
Load-out crew (flock previous to positive flock)
h930Yes
No
___________ h931
________________ h932
h9331
Yes 3 No
If load-out took more than one night, was returning crew the same crew? ........... h934
1 Yes 3 No
Truck #/#’s _______________________________________________________
h935
Trailer #/#’s ______________________________________________________
h936
What plant did flock go to? __________________________________________
h937
Poult delivery
h938Yes No
___________ h939 ________________ h940
h9411 Yes 3 No
Rendering pickup h942Yes No
___________ h943 ________________ h944
h9451 Yes 3 No
Litter services
h946Yes No
___________ h947 ________________ h948
h9491 Yes 3 No
Cleanout services h950Yes No
___________ h951 ________________ h952
h9531 Yes 3 No
Equipment shared/rented/loaned/borrowed (each of the categories of visitor is
likely to be accompanied by equipment of some sort or another)
h954Yes No
___________ h955 ________________ h956
h9571 Yes 3 No
Feed delivery
h958Yes No
___________ h959 ________________ h960
h9611 Yes 3 No
5. Who makes sure covers are closed after delivery? ____________________________________ h962
6. Are feed covers kept closed? ............................................................................. h963
1 Yes 3 No
J. WILD BIRDS
1. Do you see wild birds around your farm? ........................................................ h1001
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, what type of birds? [Check all that apply.]
 Waterfowl
h1002
 Gulls
h1003
 Small perching birds (sparrows, starlings, swallows)
h1004
 Other water birds (egrets, cormorants)
h1005
 Other ____________________ h1006oth
h1006
2. Do you see birds all year round? ...................................................................... h1007
1 Yes 3 No
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
If Yes, what type of birds? __________________________________
3. Is there seasonality to the presence of some types of birds? .......................... h1009
h1008
1 Yes 3 No
If Yes, what type of birds and what seasons do you see them? _______________________
__________________________________________________________________________
h1010
4. Where are wild birds seen in relation to the farm? [Check all that apply.]
 On adjacent habitats away from facilities and equipment
(identify location of habitat on photos)
h1011
 On the farm but not in the barns
(identify facilities or equipment birds have contact with)
h1012
 On the farm and sometimes in the barns
(identify facilities or equipment birds have contact with)
h1013
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
K. NARRATIVE/COMMENTS
h1101
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
FARM DIAGRAM -Attach a download from satellite imagery if possible. In addition, draw a simple
schematic map of the farm site centering with the poultry houses/pens. Identify where the HPAI
positive flocks were housed. Also include: fan banks on houses, residence, driveways, public roads,
bodies of water, feed tanks, gas tanks, out buildings, waster dumpsters, electric meters, dead bird
disposal, parking areas, other poultry sites. Digital photographs, if allowed, are excellent supporting
documentation.
North
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Appendix II. Variables continuing to be evaluated from the survey.
Premises variables of interest being evaluated.
Premises Characteristic
Production type
Age
Sex
Flock size
Facility type
Brooder & grower same house
Farm capacity
Number of barns
Ventilation
Cool cell pads
Water source for cool cell pads
Closest body of water (yards)
Water body type
Other animals
Level
Meat
Egg
Breeding
Other
Multiple age
Single age
Hen
Tom
Both
<20,000 birds
20,000 +
Brood
Grow
Other
Both
Breeder
Commercial
<50,000 birds
50,000 +
1-4
5+
Curtain sided
Environ. Control
Side doors
Other
NA
< 350 yards
350 +
Pond
Lake
Stream
River
Other
Beef cattle
Dairy cattle
Horses
Sheep
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Water source
Goats
Pigs
Dogs
Cats
Poultry or domestic
waterfowl
Other
Municipal
Well
Surface
Other
Water treated
Farm biosecurity variables of interest being evaluated.
Biosecurity Characteristics
House with family on property
Signage
Gate to farm entrance
Farm area fenced in
Freq. vegetation mowed (per month)
Facility free of debris/trash
Wash/spray area for vehicles
Designated parking workers/visitors
Changing area for workers
Dedicated coveralls
Rubber boots or boot covers
Barn doors locked
Foot pans
Footbath type
Level
Yes, common drive
Yes, no common drive
No
Yes, locked
Yes, not locked
No
<4
4+
Yes, shower
Yes, no shower
No
Yes, Routinely locked
Yes, not routinely lock
No
Yes, in use
Yes, not in use
No
Dry
Liquid
None
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Ante area
Rodent bait station
Yes, checked every 6
weeks
Yes, checked less freq.
No
Fly control
Houses bird proof
Wild birds in house
Raccoons, possums, foxes
Wild turkeys, pheasants, quail
Biosecurity audits
Farm help/worker variables of interest being evaluated.
Employee Characteristics
Total number
Any nonfamily
Worker assigned to:
Level
<3
3+
Entire farm
Specific barn/area
Workers employed by other poultry
op.
Biosecurity training sessions per year 0
1+
Family members employed by other
poultry op.
Part-time/weekend help
Restrict contact with backyard
poultry
Farm equipment variables of interest being evaluated.
Equipment Characteristic
Farm specific
Level
Company trucks
Feed trucks
Gates/panels
Lawn mowers
Live haul loaders
Poultry trailers
Pre-loaders
Pressure sprayer/washer
Skid-steer loader
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Tillers
Trucks
Other
Litter handling variables of interest being evaluated.
Litter Characteristic
Type
Shed
Partial cleanouts
Who does cleanout
Level
Wood shavings
Other
Grower
Contractor
Litter disposal on-farm
Dead bird disposal variables of interest being evaluated.
Disposal Characteristic
Dead bird disposal
Render
Level
On-farm, covered with soil
On-farm, not covered with soil
Off-farm
Yes, no bin cover
Yes, bin cover not routinely
closed
Yes, bin cover routinely closed
No rendering
Farm visitor variables of interest being evaluated.
Visitor Characteristic
Number of daily visitors
Visitor log
Outer clothing provided
Visitor:
Service person
Vaccination crew
Moving crew
Level
All =0
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: May 1, 2015
Poult delivery
Rendering pickup
Litter service
Cleanout service
Equipment shared
Feed delivery
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
Yes, bird contact
Yes, no bird contact
No
Feed covers kept closed
Wild bird variables of interest being evaluated.
Wild Bird Characteristic
Wild birds around farm
Birds year round
Seasonality
Bird location
Level
Waterfowl
Gulls
Small perching
Other water birds
Other birds
Any
Away from facilities
On farm, not in barns
On farm, in barns
31