HPAI Toolkit

This comprehensive toolkit was put together in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Minnesota Board of Animal Health, and North Central Poultry Association's Veterinary Advisory Committee. We hope through this collection of resources and guidance you will be prepared to prevent, detect, and mitigate Avian Influenza.

See printable version of key points here.

Prevention

Biosecurity is your best line of defense against foreign animal disease. In the presence of a foreign animal disease threat, awareness and biosecurity practices should be heightened. Premises should be secured. All vehicle and foot traffic of visitors should be kept to a minimum and logged. Vehicles entering the premises should be cleaned and disinfected. All contractors, personnel, guests, and outside visitors should be aware of necessary downtimes and biosecurity procedures.

Find more information here:
APHIS Defend the Flock
Secure Poultry Supply Plan
Secure Egg Supply Plan
NPIP 14 Biosecurity Points
NPIP Biosecurity Audit Form
Biosecurity Plan Consultation Offer
IDALS Biosecurity Resource Page
IDALS Biosecurity Webinar
Biosecurity Checklist for Combatting Avian Influenza
Biosecurity Measures to Fight Avian Influenza Threats
Backyard Biosecurity for Poultry
Avian Influenza Basics for Urban and Backyard Poultry Owners
Avian Influenza and Biosecurity Podcast
Biosecurity Acknowledgement Form Template
Minnesota Board of Animal Health NPIP Biosecurity Auditing materials: NPIP Biosecurity Principles

Detection and Preparedness
1) Being vigilant of clinical signs in and around your flock will help you to quickly catch and report any foreign animal disease.
In the event you suspect HPAI you must contact your state veterinarian or USDA before taking any further action.

If you're in Iowa call one of these numbers to report your suspected sick birds
8am-4pm

IDALS Reporting Line 515-281-5305
USDA Reporting Line 515-284-4140

After Hours

Dr. Jeff Kaisand 515-240-6632
Dr. Kevin Petersburg 515-669-6043

Call this number if you find wild bird mortality near your flock

USDA Wildlife Services 866-487-3297

For Minnesota, call one of these numbers to report your suspected sick birds:

Avian Influenza Hotline: 833-454-0153
Online sick bird reporting form
Reportable Animal Diseases (24/7): 800-422-0798
MPTL: 320-231-5170

Find more information here:
Increased Surveillance Recommendations
Chickens and Slow Moving Virus
USDA Clinical Signs in Poultry (1)
U SDA Clinical Signs in Poultry (2)
U niversity of Minnesota Clinical Signs in Layers
HPAI in Poultry: What to Expect if You Suspect
Avian Influenza 2022: Frequently Asked Questions
Minnesota HPAI
U of M HPAI

2) Prepare potentially necessary documentation such as visitor logs, vehicle movement logs, traffic pattern maps, and bird movement logs. Ensure they are accurate and up-to-date. An electronic version may be helpful to quickly communicate information to USDA and IDALS.

Find more information here:

IDALS Trace-in Trace-out Priority Ranking

3) Have sampling supplies on hand. If you are comfortable taking samples, collecting your own may expedite the diagnostic process at the direction of the state veterinarian and/or AVIC. In Minnesota, samples must be collected by an Authorized Poultry Testing Agent. These supplies can also be used for routine monitoring even if your birds are not showing clinical signs.

Sampling Supplies can be sourced by:

Contacting North Central Poultry Association. We maintain a stock of supplies that can be mailed to both commercial and non-commercial flocks. Keep in mind these supplies may become limited and we may restrict the number of kits we send to individuals and companies.
Minnesota producers can obtain testing supplies through their Minnesota processor or by calling the MPTL 320-231-5170.
Swabs can be purchased through:
BHI Broth can be purchased through:
- Hardy Diagnostics
Other supply needs are listed in this testing document

4) If you are not authorized to sample for AI, or are not comfortable collecting your own samples, your state Veterinarian's office (IDALS or MNBAH) will respond with testers and testing supplies if you suspect disease. In Iowa, you may also call one of these district vets who have been trained by the ISU VDL for routine sampling and monitoring.

Vet List
Vet Map

Collecting HPAI Samples Minnesota

Submitting Samples ISU College of Vet Med

Mitigation

1) If you have sick birds and suspect HPAI you must first contact the state veterinarian or USDA before taking any further action.

In Iowa, call one of these numbers to report suspected sick birds
8am-4pm