Date: 02/08/2006
Final
Presentation on Avian Flu
COMMITTEE ON JOINT AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
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07:40 AM
Sheldon Jones, Department of Agriculture, introduced Dr. Barbara Powers and Dr. Kristy Pabilonia of Colorado State University. Dr. Powers discussed the Diagnostic Laboratory at CSU. She commented on diagnostic testing at the laboratory.
07:45 AM
Dr. Kristy Pabilonia described the types of avian flu. She said that these are very destructive diseases. She commented on the economic impact of the disease and its impact on tourism. She spoke of the exotic "Newcastle Disease" which California experienced in 2002 and 2003. She addressed the costs to the federal government of addressing these diseases, as well as the costs to consumers, and the social consequences of the diseases. She noted the extent of outbreaks of avian flu in the United States since 1955. Dr. Pabilonia said that there are more than 15 countries that have experienced outbreaks of the most recent threat, and that it is apparent that this disease is beginning to spread to wild waterfowl. A major threat to public health is international smuggling of birds. To date there have been 165 human cases and 88 deaths.
Dr. Pabilonia said that her office conducts monitoring at poultry shows and county fairs. They collect samples across the state of Colorado. She said that much of the dynamics of transmission to humans is not understood. Her office also monitors commercial poultry operations. She said she has even monitored chickens which are kept in the backyards of residences, and even in apartments. She mentioned that arrests have been made after the discovery of fighting chickens in Colorado. Her agency also works with many federal agencies on surveillance, response, and education regarding avian flu. She said that more than 1,000 birds from 150 sites in Colorado have been tested. Colorado has about 10 million commercial birds produced in the state each year. Dr. Pabilonia said that the labs take swabs from birds and have a genetic test (RNA) conducted to determine presence of the flu. She said that the Department of Public Health is looking at options for testing in humans. The bird tests cost about $35 per bird. Currently, this cost is paid by CSU and the Department of Public Health and Environment.
Dr. Pabilonia said that, in Colorado, we will probably hear about any threat well in advance of the time it reaches the state. She noted that a significant risk is presented by bird smuggling. She said that the primary purpose of their surveillance program is to detect any outbreak.
08:19 AM -- Dr. Wayne Cunningham, Colorado State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, commented on the surveillance program and the state's diagnostic capabilities. He said that currently "this is an animal disease." He described Colorado's response plan and the activities of his office. He noted that a number of veterinarians are being trained to identify the disease. He pointed out that control of the disease depends upon its early recognition. He described procedures that would be implemented in the event of an outbreak, including a gubernatorial declaration of an emergency. He said that CSU can provide a test result in 4-5 hours. He stated that the Department is now prepared with personal protective equipment. In the event of a need for "depopulation" of the birds, they would be euthanized and buried on site. Later teams return to disinfect the premises.